Pep Guardiola admitted his biggest regret on the eve of his final Manchester City match – that he never gave England keeper Joe Hart a chance to prove himself. The 55‑year‑old coach, who will step down after Sunday’s game against Aston Villa, said the decision cost him years of reflection.

Moments after taking charge, Guardiola loaned Hart to Torino, then signed Spanish keeper Claudio Bravo in 2016 and Brazilian Éderson the next season. The move left a void in City’s goal‑keeping department and set the stage for a succession of high‑profile signings that reshaped the squad’s defensive core.

Guardiola said he struggles with human emotions, especially when a player is sidelined. “I try to do it with humanity and respect,” he told Sky. “If I failed, I apologise, but it was never the club’s intention.” His admission highlights the weight of managerial decisions.

As City prepares to rename a stand and build a statue in his honour, Guardiola’s confession underscores the personal cost of leadership at the top level. The club’s future will continue to evolve without him, but his legacy as a managerial icon remains unquestioned.