Farewell Ceremony
After the game, Barcelona club organized a farewell ceremony for Guardiola.
The audience of 100,000 fans stood up and sang Guardiola's anthem.
For them, today is both a happy and a sad day.
Happily, they have Messi, who is only 25 years old and at the peak of his career.
Sadly, due to a change in the club's chairman, the team's legendary coach, Guardiola, left.
This leaves them feeling somewhat pessimistic about the team's future prospects.
It is difficult to find a coach like Guardiola, who was born in La Masia's youth training system, is familiar with Barcelona's tactical style, and adeptly utilizes Barcelona's characteristics to develop a new tactical system and make the most of his players' strengths.
Under Guardiola's leadership, Barcelona once achieved a remarkable feat in which all 11 players on the field came from Barcelona's youth training.
But after Guardiola's departure, can his successor replicate this by utilizing La Masia's young talents in the same way?
Can they still achieve the same brilliant results as Guardiola did?
The more they contemplate these questions, the more reluctant they are to bid farewell to Guardiola.
The fans waved Barcelona flags, held up various pictures of Guardiola, and passionately sang his praises.
Guardiola walked alone towards the stadium, gazing up at the auditorium and the field.
Here, he led the team to achieve brilliant results and left behind his own legend.
But from today onwards, he will no longer belong here.
If he were to return in the future, it would likely be as an opponent.
When that time comes, will these beloved fans still welcome him and cheer for him, just as they do today?
At that moment, the large screen in the stadium began to play a highlights reel of Guardiola's achievements during his four-year tenure.
The first league title.
The first Champions League title.
The first six-time Grand Slam.
On the big screen, Guardiola celebrated on the touchline as his players scored goals.
He stood in the pouring rain, directing the game from the sidelines.
And when the team won, he ran and cheered alongside them.
He circled the field in jubilation when they won their first championship.
He took careful notes, studying tactics and identifying opponents' weaknesses in every match...
Finally, the screen froze on the scene of the team lifting the Champions League trophy last season, celebrating with elation.
Filled with excitement, Guardiola took the microphone handed to him by a staff member.
He attempted to speak, raising it to his lips multiple times, but the words failed to escape.
He feared that if he spoke, the fans and team members would hear his voice choked with emotion.
This is his home, but he is about to leave.
People often say that the closer you are to your hometown, the stronger the emotions you feel. But when a wanderer leaves his hometown and faces an uncertain future, what kind of emotions will he experience at that time?
He took a deep breath, trying to adjust his state, and said:
"Here, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone!"
"Especially to the people around me: the players, the coaching team, and the club staff.
"I am truly grateful to the fans who have supported us. We may not be physically close, but I can feel your support every day. You should know that I will miss you, and having your support when I leave Camp Nou makes me incredibly excited!"
The fans waved various banners and signs of support and gratitude to Guardiola, showering him with applause and blessings.
"As for the reason behind my departure, I have mentioned it on several occasions, but I believe it's important to explain it to you once again." "During my four years coaching Barcelona, we have achieved outstanding results, but it has come at the cost of immense work pressure, which has prevented me from spending quality time with my family.
Here, I would like to apologize to them, and I promise that I will dedicate myself to spending precious time with my loved ones in the coming days!"
Guardiola gazed toward the player tunnel, where his girlfriend Cristina Serra and their four children were smiling at him.
Lucas was among them!
Yes, Guardiola and Serra were the couple who adopted Lucas back then.
Though not their biological child, Guardiola and Serra have always treated Lucas as their own, showering him with the same love and care as their other three children.
Guardiola waved at them, and Serra immediately walked towards him with the four children.
"Thank you, Pep. We can finally start our vacation!"
Serra smiled and embraced her partner. Sensing Guardiola's slight melancholy, she tried to divert his attention by mentioning the upcoming vacation.
"Thank you, Cristina. I'm sorry I haven't been able to spend enough time with you and the children all these years!"
Guardiola felt a tinge of guilt in his heart and sincerely apologized once again.
"No need to apologize. If you truly feel indebted, it's better to demonstrate it through practical actions!"
"Well, that's a good suggestion. I will certainly consider it!"
Guardiola was contemplating marriage and felt that it was time to bring an end to this long-running love affair.
When it was Lucas's turn, Guardiola warmly embraced him, giving his shoulder a firm pat before asking, "Luca, you're already sixteen years old. It's time to start thinking about your future career plans. Do you have any ideas?"
Lucas pondered for a moment and replied, "I plan to train diligently in Barcelona and then seek opportunities to either rent or transfer to another team!"
"Are you considering leaving Barcelona?" Guardiola was taken aback by Lucas's response, somewhat surprised.
It was uncommon for players from La Masia, the youth training camp, to willingly depart from Barcelona on their own accord.
However, observing Lucas's demeanor, it seemed that he didn't hold a deep emotional attachment to the club.
Could it be that his decision was influenced by the club's recent actions?
"Yes, Barcelona's first team is filled with extraordinary talents. I don't have many opportunities here, so I feel compelled to leave," Lucas explained, though in truth, he believed Barcelona wasn't worth staying for.
Reflecting on Barcelona's treatment of Messi during the transfer deadline ten years later, it became evident that the club lacked any semblance of empathy.
To think that a legendary player who dedicated 21 years to the team, scored over 600 goals, and led the club to countless victories could be disrespected and unceremoniously driven away in such an unreasonable and almost playful manner.
Only fools would willingly remain in such a heartless club!
Guardiola contemplated for a moment. Undoubtedly, Barcelona boasted a wealth of talent in midfield with players like Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, and others reaching their peak and demonstrating immense strength.
Realistically, young players like Lucas would struggle to compete with them. Even when Guardiola served as the head coach, he intended to groom Lucas as the heir to Xavi's throne.
In fact, Lucas had been assigned the No. 4 jersey in the youth team, the very same number Guardiola wore during his playing days at Barcelona.
However, with Guardiola's departure, the future tactics employed by Barcelona remained uncertain.
Each coach has their own unique vision. Some prefer to rely on youth academy products, while others opt to acquire established players from external sources.
Consequently, the development plan Guardiola had devised for Lucas may no longer be feasible.
"Well, I respect your choice. Let's have a good chat when we get back!"
Lucas nodded. Guardiola is now the hottest legendary coach on the planet.
I must consider his opinion.
After hugging family members, colleagues and team players in turn.
Under the farewell of the club's staff, Guardiola left the stadium quickly.
From this moment on, Guardiola and Barcelona broke the link.
Many people, including fans and club executives, thought this was just a short separation.
He will come back when the chairman of the club changes and the conflict between Guardiola and the club eases.
But no one thought that this farewell was actually a forever farewell.