Manchester City supporters are being offered a unique chance to acquire a piece of the club's recent history, with a comprehensive auction of items from Pep Guardiola's former office now underway. The sale, which is generating considerable interest, includes a wide array of memorabilia from the manager who guided City to an unprecedented period of success over the past decade.
Among the more personal effects available for bidding are the very coffee cups Guardiola used, offering fans a direct connection to his daily routine at the club. The collection extends to his office chair, desk lamp, and even his whistle. For those interested in the more eccentric aspects of the Catalan's tenure, his collection of incense sticks, complete with matches, is also up for grabs, alongside several framed pictures and some of his training tops and winter jacket.
Perhaps most intriguing for tactical aficionados, a set of two pitch pads featuring Guardiola's handwritten strategies, accompanied by his pens, is also part of the auction. These items provide a rare glimpse into the meticulous planning that underpinned City's numerous triumphs.
While these personal items are attracting significant attention, early bidding indicates that the most coveted item is a rare commemorative ball. This special ball marks Erling Haaland’s achievement of 100 Premier League goals for the club. Only three such balls were ever produced, and bidding has already soared into four figures for the item, which is presented in a display box.
The auction is scheduled to conclude at the end of the week. It is understood that some of the proceeds generated from the sale will benefit the club's official charity, City in the Community, contributing to their ongoing work within the local area.
Guardiola departed Manchester City this summer after a hugely successful ten-year spell, during which he secured six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five League Cups. The 55-year-old is now reportedly being courted by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for the vacant Italy national team manager position, following the Azzurri's failure to qualify for a third successive World Cup in March, which led to the departure of Gennaro Gattuso. Italy icon Paolo Maldini, now the technical director of the FIGC, is understood to have engaged in extensive discussions with Guardiola in Barcelona, outlining a four-year plan to tempt him into international management.