Manchester City manager Joseph “Pep” Guardiola has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Manchester in recognition of his “extraordinary contribution” to the city over nine years on and off the pitch.

Guardiola was presented with an honorary doctorate by the university’s chancellor, Nazir Afzal, at the Whitworth Hall on Monday.

“The award is in honour not only of his sporting success but also of his inspirational work away from football, including through his family foundation, the Guardiola Sala Foundation,” confirmed the University of Manchester in a statement.

Guardiola said, “Manchester means so much to me. I have spent nine years here, and it has become home. The people, the culture, my incredible football club, my colleagues… it is all so special to me and my family. When I arrived in 2016, I did not know how long I would spend here. The way this city embraced me made everything easy. My time here has been beautiful.

“I know how important the University of Manchester is to our city. It’s the home to a lot of research, and it has a history of discovery. So, honestly, to be honored in this way by such an esteemed institution is an amazing feeling. I want to thank everyone at the University of Manchester for this moment—and I want to thank everyone at Manchester City for their constant support.”

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said, “Pep wasn’t born in Manchester, but like me and so many others, the city has welcomed him and made it feel like home. That welcome and the way Manchester gets under your skin is why so many people feel a deep, lifelong connection with the city.

“Pep is an innovator and a winner who has inspired millions of people through his success as a manager. He has played a huge role in making Manchester a global success story, and we are honored that he has chosen to accept this degree. I hope that this forges another important connection between him, the University of Manchester, and the city.”