Pep Guardiola took time away from Manchester City’s Carabao Cup celebrations to share the moment with his daughter Maria on the pitch at Wembley.
Maria, the oldest of Guardiola’s three children, was captured embracing her father following Man City’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
After the sweet moment on the Wembley pitch, Guardiola and Maria joined Man City’s squad and staff in celebrating an emotional victory.
Maria, a model and influencer, had previously spoken of the special memories their family have had watching important matches during his career.
‘Following my dad around the world to watch games gave me special memories and brought the family together,’ she told Vanity Fair last year.
‘I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had. Although it was sometimes a challenge, my parents made the transitions easier and helped my siblings and me take advantage of opportunities.’
Pep Guardiola was joined by his daughter Maria on the pitch after Man City’s Carabao Cup win
Guardiola and his daughter had a sweet embrace on the pitch after what the Man City boss described as a ‘special’ victory
Maria, the oldest of Guardiola’s three children, has previously spoken of the the special memories created by watching her father’s teams in big matches across the world
Maria had previously joked that she had inherited her father’s ‘stubbornness’ while her ‘confidence and sense of independence’ comes from her mother Cristina Serra.
Guardiola and Serra split last year after 12 years of marriage, having been together for three decades. No reason for the divorce was given, however reports suggested his ‘workaholic’ tendencies were to blame.
The Man City manager’s contract is due to expire in 2027, but some have suggested Guardiola could elect to walk away this summer.
Guardiola has led Man City to 16 major pieces of silverware during his decade at the club, with Sunday’s win over Arsenal giving him a record fifth League Cup success.
The 55-year-old declared victory over Arsenal was ‘special’ and again appeared to make a hint over his future, as he suggested his Man City side will be better next season.
‘Always, when you win a trophy it’s important, but this was special because we’ve had a tough two weeks and especially because of the opponent,’ Guardiola told Sky Sports post-match.
‘When you start to win and the players are young you can continue that. I need to know them first, I need to know how they react in certain situations.
‘I think we will be able to learn from this as a team and hopefully next season we can do better. We are still not the team that Arsenal are or what we were in the past, but we found a way to win titles.
Guardiola’s Man City future remains in doubt despite him being contracted until 2027
The Man City boss has won a record five League Cups and suggested his side will be ‘better’ next season
‘Underneath I knew we were close. The teams, you don’t understand why you are there and out of nothing you are at the bottom. The warnings have to be there, but, for the club and this new generation, it’s important.’
Guardiola had been asked whether the Wembley triumph could boost Man City’s attempts to chase down Arsenal in the title race, despite being nine points adrift of Mikel Arteta’s side.
‘I would love to be nine points in front to be honest,’ Guardiola added.
‘It’s in their hands. I, personally, need an incredible break, I’m exhausted. After, we’ll see step by step.
‘Dropping points against West Ham punished us a lot. But, we’ll try.’
