The Chilean-born coach is over the moon the team has qualified for European football for the second year running: “I couldn’t have asked for a better send-off. We were determined for a win in our last home game of the season in front of our fans, and to qualify for European football for the second consecutive year. It’s been a truly amazing season, both in the League and Champions League, as well as the Copa del Rey when we played two great games against Barcelona in the quarter-finals. It really has been a dream season for us, and everything we’ve achieved, as well as the fans’ reaction, will stay in my memory forever. I couldn’t be more grateful, I know I’ve said it many times before, but I’ll be forever in our fans’ debt for their love and respect towards me, and the players have been incredible, having coped with a very demanding season. It would be hard to find a group of more hard-working players than this squad, both from a personal and professional point of view, they’ve made us all so proud. I must also thank the Club’s owner, Abdullah Al Thani as well as Abdullah Ghubn and Moayad Shatat for their faith in me during the most difficult times over the past year. They are the ones that kept us going, and the team responded in a strong, determined way. These past two and a half years have been unforgettable for me,” affirms Pellegrini.
“Our objective this year was to qualify for Europe again, so I hope the Court of Arbitration for Sport lifts the sanction and we’re able to compete next season. The Club absolutely deserves it having worked so hard to straighten out the accounting situation, as do the fans for their unconditional support. It’s not that I particularly want to leave Málaga, but I felt it was my obligation to free the Club from a major contract, so they don’t continue to receive economic sanctions. I couldn’t expect the Club to continue with the agreement reached when I first arrived here. I always said it was my intention to stay, and I’ll be keeping my house here. I’ll definitely return when the time’s right. For the moment, from a professional point of view, I’m leaving Málaga, but the city will be in my heart for the rest of my life,” concludes the coach.
Manuel Pellegrini will never forget the fans’ support: “The unconditional support and love from the fans towards the players and coaching team is incredible. I’ve never felt so proud as I have done here, I’m just doing my job, but their support really has been a fundamental part of my time at Málaga.
Finally, the coach summarises his time with the Blue and Whites: “I’ll miss absolutely everything: the city, the climate, my relationship with all the players, Club employees and owners. I’ll miss everyone so much, but new doors have opened up for me, and I hope my next challenge is as fulfilling as my time with Málaga.”