Manchester City have confirmed the departure of legendary coach Brian Kidd after 12 years at the Etihad.
The 72-year-old originally joined City as a youth coach in 2009 and served as assistant manager to Roberto Mancini when they won their first Premier League title in 2012.
He has retained a senior coaching role under Manuel Pellegrini and Pep Guardiola and has been credited with having a major influence in their recent success.
Kidd told the City website about his resignation: “I can only thank Pep, Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini for their leadership during a period of great change and challenges for everyone involved here. I hope to have offered them enough help and support along the way to have made a difference and played a small role in the success of the various teams.
“After playing for Manchester City, it was very special to return and for the last 12 years I have felt the warmth of the management, staff and fans all the time. I’m incredibly grateful to them all.
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– Manchester City (@ManCity) July 2, 2021
“I would also like to say what an honor it has been to witness the development of the club under Sheikh Mansour’s management and leadership of Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
“I am a man from Manchester, and the work that has been done to improve Manchester City and the local community is fantastic. I just wish the best for Manchester City to move forward. ”
Guardiola added his own touching tribute to Kidd and described him as an English football legend. In addition to coaching at City, Kidd has worked for seven different clubs – including Manchester United, where he won several Premier League titles alongside Sir Alex Ferguson – in his 37-year career and was even assistant manager for England under Sven-Goran. Eriksson.
“Brian Kidd is a legend in this country,” said Guardiola. “Not just for what he has done here at Manchester City, but at other clubs during his incredible career.
Happy Retirement Brian Kidd, a great servant to Manchester Football. pic.twitter.com/fwH0gDRRA2
– City On A Card (@ CityOnACard1) July 2, 2021
“He’s been so important to me during my time at the club, and I’m sure Roberto and Manuel too. He has so much respect in our locker room, from myself, my coaches and most importantly the players.
“His experience has helped us achieve something very special during his time here and I speak for everyone in Manchester City when I thank him for everything he has done.”
