Pep Guardiola ‘remains in discussion’ over Freeman award

Pep Guardiola ‘remains in discussion’ with the council about becoming a Freeman of Manchester following City’s treble success last year.

The Spanish manager masterminded the Blues’ Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League wins in 2023, becoming the second English side to do so — after Manchester United in 1999.

When the Red Devils completed the triumph, their manager Sir Alex Ferguson was awarded the city’s highest honour.

Following Pep matching Fergie’s achievement last year, the council moved to offer him the same gong. However, little has been said publicly on if Pep was going to accept it — and if so, when the ceremony would take place.

Now, the Manchester Evening News understands council bosses ‘remain in discussion with the club about when he will formally receive it’. It’s also thought there is no urgency for the Spaniard to accept the award.

Freemen of Manchester are a rare breed, with only 79 individuals being bestowed since 1888. There have only been six Freemen awards dished out since Sir Alex — music and cultural mogul Tony Wilson posthumously received it in 2007, United and England football legend Sir Bobby Charlton in 2008, Team GB cyclists in 2008, and field hospital volunteers in 2011.

The last two were Professor Sir Andre Geim and Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov, who helped isolate graphene at the University, in 2013. Four years later, pop star Ariana Grande became the city’s first ‘honorary citizen’ following her response to the Arena bombing after one of her concerts.

Other notable figures to receive the award include football manager Sir Matt Busby, astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell, and former Prime Ministers Clement Atlee and Winston Churchill.