Sir Alex Ferguson is extending a warm welcome to Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City manager approaches his 1,000th match as a football manager. Guardiola is set to reach this milestone on Sunday when his Manchester City side plays against Liverpool.

Ferguson, speaking on behalf of the League Managers Association (LMA), expressed his admiration for Guardiola's career. Ferguson, who himself has managed in over 2,000 games, stated he was "absolutely delighted" to welcome Guardiola into the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club. He further added that Guardiola's "deep love and passion for the game has always been so evident" and that Guardiola should be proud of the impact he continues to have on the global game.

Ferguson highlighted the significance of reaching 1,000 matches in football management, emphasizing that such longevity is a landmark achievement. He also acknowledged Guardiola's success in winning league titles, Champions League titles, and domestic cups in three of Europe's most competitive leagues.

Guardiola began his managerial journey with Barcelona B before taking charge of the main Barcelona team. He then managed Bayern Munich before joining Manchester City in 2016. As of now, Guardiola has won 715 of his 999 games.

Guardiola has expressed his pride in reaching 1,000 games as a manager, stating that it has always been a special ambition for him.

Richard Bevan, the chief executive of the LMA, also praised Guardiola's dedication to excellence and his unmatched will to win. Bevan noted that Guardiola's achievements and success in Spain, Germany, and England are unprecedented and that his influence continues to shape the game for future generations.