Pep Guardiola speaks out on Sir Alex Ferguson days after Man Utd icon's removal

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson, describing him as the greatest manager in football history. He also made it clear that he does not intend to stay at Manchester City just to outdo the former Manchester United boss.

In a week when it was revealed that Ferguson had been removed from his £2million-a-year ambassadorship at Old Trafford, Guardiola heaped praise on the 82-year-old Scot .

Guardiola is currently considering his own future at City after winning the Premier League title six times during his eight seasons at the Etihad, including an unprecedented four consecutive victories.

Ferguson led United to 13 titles over a 26-year period. Despite this, Guardiola expressed his satisfaction at being mentioned in the same breath.

Guardiola said: “In this country and all over the world, Sir Alex Ferguson is the best. For the moment, for the team change, for the trophies.

“Being close to one of the most important managers of all time is more than enough. It's an incredible honor for me and for all the staff, all the assistants and all the players I've had. It's not just an honor for me.

“When people say, 'Pep is one of the best,' it's because of the players I've had, the assistant managers and the assistant coaches – and we've had a lot of them.

“Everyone creates this feeling that we are good – and that is enough. I don't fight for anything else.

“For United fans, it's still Sir Alex. Absolutely fine.

“I'm not saying I'm a bad manager, otherwise I wouldn't be able to stay here for a long time and be successful. But being the best or not the best, believe me, is not important.

“So my contenders as a manager? Jurgen Klopp made me a better manager, Jose Mourinho made me a better manager, Mikel Arteta now makes me a better manager.

“We need it, so it's happening. But being the best is not, I think, honestly, that's not the goal.”

Guardiola's contract with City expires at the end of the season and the club's owners are trying to convince him to extend his tenure beyond a decade. However, this summer will see the departure of one of Guardiola's closest allies, Txiki Begiristain, who will step down as director of football and be replaced by Hugo Viana.