Guardiola is set for a 'special' evening in Palermo as Manchester City gears up for their last pre-season match.

Guardiola approached journalists with his typical blend of clarity and humor, discussing football as well as emotions and past acquaintances.

"Tomorrow will be a friendly match that will be significant for Pippo (Palermo manager Filippo Inzaghi), and also for us," he began. "This is our final friendly. We have the City Football Group, a relationship that has become slightly closer than before."

"Personally, visiting Italy is always a pleasure, but to truly understand the essence of Palermo and Sicily, one must either live here or come for a holiday.

"Tomorrow morning we will be at the hotel, perhaps we will go out for a bit, but then in the afternoon we will prepare for the match. We'll enjoy dinner here in the evening, which is always a chance to enjoy good food, and then on Sunday we will head back to England."

The Catalan coach then reflected on the position his club has attained: "We deserve it, though it pains me to say. We have had an incredible, remarkable decade.

"We have won and continued to win, which is why we keep striving. If we didn't, there would have been changes in coaching and players. So we've come a long way and are ready for the new season."

"As a coach, he has already accomplished significant things"

It's impossible not to mention Inzaghi, his rival on the field during his playing days: "He was astute in the penalty area: he had an instinct for where the ball would go... The great strikers are those who anticipate the ball's path, because if you arrive a second late, you miss it. He had that remarkable instinct for scoring.

"As a coach, he has already achieved great things. His career is still in its early stages, so I genuinely wish him the best."

A mention also goes to Kevin De Bruyne, who transferred to Napoli over the summer: "A bit odd, I must admit. But all of us, the entire City family, hold him in high regard.

"We hope that this experience in Italy, with a very strong coach, one of the best ever, will be beneficial. I'm confident he will learn a lot and achieve great things. I wish him, Michelle, and their children a wonderful time here in Italy, especially in Naples."

Finally, a look at the atmosphere awaiting him at the 'Barbera' and a thought for Inzaghi's birthday: 'Yes, I am aware. We'll do something, for sure. I am eager to see the fans.

"I know that the south is unique. I hope they can have a successful season and pursue their dream - which Palermo undoubtedly has - and which City Football Group shares: to be in Serie A next year."