'My heart was going' - Txiki Begiristain picks surprise Man City moment as his favourite

Txiki Begiristain left his role as director of football at Manchester City this summer and has now reflected on his time at the Etihad.

Txiki Begiristain and Pep Guardiola won the Champions League together

Txiki Begiristain and Pep Guardiola enjoyed unprecedented success together at Manchester City, but as the former reflects on his time at the Etihad after leaving this summer, he remembers most fondly an achievement that pre-dates the arrival of his ex-Barcelona colleague.

Begiristain joined City in October 2012, laying the groundwork for a reunion with Guardiola four years later. In their nine years together, they won six Premier League titles, six domestic cups, and a Champions League in 2022/23 as part of a remarkable treble.

But as 61-year-old Begiristain looks back on his 13 years at the club, it was the league title won under Manuel Pellegrini that got the nod as his favourite moment.

“When I came almost 13 years ago, I started with [Roberto] Mancini but the first manager that we decided to work with was Manuel Pellegrini," he said.

"I would say the first Premier League that we won when I was here with Manuel because I came for that. I came to keep winning trophies. I was really happy with that league. It was a difficult one and I was very happy to win it. We had to win a lot of games at the end to win the league.

"I came from Barcelona where we won leagues and that was the first Premier League [that year]. Then, the top one during my time here was Istanbul – to win the Champions League is something we were all dreaming about, the fans and all the staff working here."

The 1-0 triumph over Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Istanbul was a nerve-shredding affair, but for Begiristain it didn't compare to a trip to Goodison Park late in that first title-winning season.

With Liverpool piling on the pressure in the title race, City won 3-2 on Merseyside to maintain their grip on top spot, and it came during a run of five successive victories at the end of the season to win the league. That trip to Goodison was City's last away game of the campaign.

“[The game away at Everton in May 2014] I was feeling my heartbeat," said Begiristain. "I think we were winning, and we knew winning that game we had two home games to play for the trophy.

"My heart was going, and I was thinking is it worth it? Of course, it is worth it! It’s something you cannot control, and I remember that day – it was unbelievable.”

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