Pep Guardiola Receives Honorary Title From Manchester University

JAKARTA - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been awarded the honorary title by Manchester University, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the city for nine years on and off the pitch.

At a ceremony at the historic Whitworth Hall, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Manchester University Chancellor Nazir Afzal.

This award was given not only in honor of his success in the field of sports, but also for his inspirational works outside of football, including through his family foundation, the Guardiola Sala Foundation.

"Manchester means a lot to me. I've spent nine years here and this city has been home."

"The people, the culture, my amazing football club, my colleagues."

"Everything was so special for me and my family. When I arrived here in 2016, I didn't know how long I was going to spend here."

"The way this city accepts me makes things easy. My time here is so beautiful."

"I know how important Manchester University is to our city. This university is home to a lot of research and has a history of discovery."

"So, to be honest, getting a tribute like this from a very honorable institution is a great feeling."

"I would like to thank everyone at Manchester University for this moment. I would like to thank everyone at Manchester City for their continuous support," he said during a speech.

The honorary title is the highest award that the University of Manchester can give.

The University of Manchester recognizes extraordinary individuals who have contributed tremendously to people who realize their values, improve people's lives in local communities or have created significant impacts in their work areas and are often far beyond that.

Widely known as one of the successful and innovative managers in game history, Pep continued his playing career full of trophies by being appointed Barcelona Manager in 2008.

He won La Liga titles in three of his four seasons at Camp Nou and lifted the Champions League twice.

After Barcelona, he joined Bayern Munich which he led to the last four of the Champions League in each of his three seasons, won the Bundesliga three times, and won double winners - the league and domestic trophies - twice.

Guardiola joined Manchester City in 2016. In his second season, he guided The Citizens to the Premier League title and Carabao Cup.

He won four awards for this Month's Manager in a row and was selected as Premier League Manager this season and this year's Manager LMA version.

He was re-elected as manager of the Premier League this year after guiding Manchester City to four more trophies in 2018/2019 to become the club's most successful coach with six trophies in three seasons.

The Citizens added the Carabao Cup and Community Shield to Pep's trophy list in 2019/2020. The Catalan coach helped the club win more trophies in 2020/2021, with another Premier League title and Carabao Cup success.

He was also the first Manchester City boss to bring his team to the Champions League final in May 2021.

"Pep was not born in Manchester, but like me and many others, this city welcomed him and made him feel like home."

"The call and the way Manchester has possessed you is the reason why so many people have a deep and lifelong relationship with this city."

"Pep is an innovator and winner who has inspired millions of people through his success as a manager."

"He has played a big role in making Manchester a global success story and we are honored that he has chosen to accept this title."

"I hope this will create another important relationship between himself, Manchester University, and this city," said Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice Chancellor of Manchester University.

Guardiola's outstanding performance at Etihad then saw him lead Manchester City to a fourth Premier League title in five years in 2021/2022 and the fifth in 2022/2023.

To complete a season that determines another history under Pep's leadership, fifth league wins and FA Cup final wins are followed by a win in the Champions League final which has left Manchester City claiming a historic 2023 treble.

On the final day of the 2023/2024 season, The Citizens made more history by becoming the first club to win the Premier League in four consecutive seasons, which confirmed the title on the last day.

Pep's leadership not only raised the success of Manchester City, but also became a model for performance excellence and continued improvements that have inspired leaders outside of football.

In addition, the University of Manchester wants to recognize its contribution to the cultural life and community of Manchester, and its steadfast commitment to social responsibility and justice, through its family foundation, the Guardiola Sala Foundation.