- Title: Guardiola sad at Enrique resignation
- Date: 2nd March 2017
- Summary: BUS WITH BARCA PLAYERS
- Embargoed: 16th March 2017 09:46
- Keywords: PEP GUARDIOLA LUIS ENRIQUE BARCELONA
- Location: MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, UK/BARCELONA, SPAIN
- City: MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, UK/BARCELONA, SPAIN
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA005669NT4V
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola says he is upset Luis Enrique is leaving the Spanish La Liga champions at the end of the season when his contract expires after three trophy-laden years at the club.
Enrique made the announcement at a news conference on Wednesday (March 1) after Barca thrashed Sporting Gijon 6-1 at the Nou Camp to keep up their bid for a third league title under the management of their former midfielder.
"I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me, it's been three unforgettable years," said Luis Enrique, who has won two Liga titles, two King's Cups and the 2015 Champions League since succeeding Gerardo Martino in 2014.
Luis Enrique said he had met with Barca directors Albert Soler and Robert Fernandez before this season to discuss the possibility of not renewing his contract.
Enrique said the time had now come and he had to do what he thought was right.
Guardiola, a life-long Barcelona fan, was asked about the decision after his club Manchester City beat Huddersfield Town 5-1 in the FA Cup to progress to the quarter-finals.
"I am so sad because we are going to miss the perfect trainer for Barcelona for his personality, character, for his three years he played unbelievable football with unbelievable players," said Guardiola. He thanked Enrique for "all you have done in these years in my club". - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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