Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reveals how Pep Guardiola once made him cry

In an interview with Bild (via Goal) Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed that he was moved to tears when Pep Guardiola revealed that he was going to leave for Manchester City. This was back in the winter of 2015, when the Bavarians were still trying to convince the Spaniard to extend his stay in Germany.

Rumenigge recounted the meeting: “One evening I will always remember: In November 2015, at a meal together, he told me that he had to leave the club. He needed a new challenge. Pep played with open cards from the start. It was an emotional evening; he cried, I also shed tears. That was memorable for me.”

The Bayern boss proceeded to reveal that he’s struck up a genuine friendship with Guardiola. “Pep and I text each other,” he said. “He’s not a fan of WhatsApp. We wrote to each other on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, we are in regular contact. A real friendship has developed.”

Guardiola’s departure from Bayern was announced in December of 2015, shortly after the above conservation took place. The club announced the signing Carlo Ancelotti shortly after. If Rummenigge had known what a disaster Carlo would be, maybe he would’ve cried harder at the time.

It’s interesting to note that Pep is still on such good terms with Bayern’s bosses, given how he allegedly wants nothing to do with Barcelona and their board anymore. The Catalans, of course, are a complete mess at the executive level, so it’s no wonder that Pep wants nothing to do with those crooks.

With KHR set to retire after this season, the last of Bayern’s “old guard” will have been replaced. Now it’s up to Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic to pick up the mantle, and ensure Bayern’s standards remain as high as ever. Hopefully, they bring the same level of effectiveness plus the human touch we’ve come to expect from Bayern’s management over the years.