Guardiola reveals text from Ferguson before UCL victory

[p]Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has shared the details of a heartwarming text message he received from legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on the morning of the Champions League final against Inter Milan. Guardiola's team went on to secure their first Champions League title with a 1-0 victory in the final, making them only the second team in English football history to achieve the treble.

[p]The remarkable treble was previously achieved by Ferguson's Manchester United team in the 1998-1999 season, when they won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Guardiola's side had the opportunity to emulate this feat, and Manchester United had a chance to derail their rivals' dreams of a treble in the FA Cup final, but City emerged victorious with a 2-1 win at Wembley.

[p]For Guardiola, winning the Champions League for the third time in his managerial career, having previously won it twice with Barcelona, was a momentous achievement. However, winning it as part of a treble-winning campaign made it even more special for the Spanish coach.

[p]During an interview with reporters, Guardiola revealed the contents of the text message he received from Ferguson and expressed his gratitude for the gesture. He also acknowledged the difficulty of winning the Champions League, considering it a highly challenging trophy to conquer.

[p]Guardiola stated, "I was so happy to get a message from Sir Alex Ferguson on my phone this morning. It touched me. I am so happy to be sat alongside Sir Alex. Winning the Treble is so difficult, but it was written in the stars that we would win this season.

[p]"This trophy is so difficult to win. This competition is a (toss of a) coin. But now it belongs to us. We knew it would be hard and we were anxious in the first half. It was a question of being patient – and we also had to be lucky with Ederson at the end.

[p]"The momentum came from winning the Premier League and FA Cup and now we have this. I am tired, calm, and satisfied. I have no energy to think of next season when we will start from zero. We're going to celebrate in the hotel with family and friends, and on Monday, the parade is in Manchester."