Pep Guardiola pays heartfelt tribute to 'incredible' Terry Venables and labels the former Barcelona manager as a 'true gentleman' following his tragic death aged 80

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Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to ‘true gentleman’ Terry Venables as an iconic picture of the pair emerged after the former England manager died at the weekend aged 80.

Following the news, Guardiola’s social media team posted an image of a teenage ball-boy gazing in awe at the Barcelona boss on the Nou Camp pitch.

Venables had guided Barca to a first La Liga title for more than a decade the year before, and the picture captures him being carried on the shoulders of players after the club reached the 1986 European Cup final.

Manchester City boss Guardiola described the warmth the Catalans felt for Venables, who spent three years in charge from 1984.

‘His impact was incredible,’ said Guardiola, who went on to captain and manage Barcelona himself.

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Terry Venables during his recent press conference

Former England and Barcelona manager Terry Venables has passed away, aged 80

An entranced Pep Guardiola (left) looks on as Terry Venables is carried from the pitch in triumph after Barcelona defeated IFK Gothenburg to reach the 1986 European Cup final

‘He introduced something that had never been seen before, especially a type of pressing and the set-pieces. He introduced many, many things.

‘As a Barcelona fan, he gave us La Liga after 11 years. In that era I was 13 or 14 years old.

‘It was the first time I saw us win La Liga. For many years, it was not possible because of other teams.

‘A true gentleman. I was a ball-boy so I wasn’t in contact with him, I just gave the ball to his players.

‘Unfortunately, he could not win the European Cup in that time, with the final against Steaua Bucharest, but it’s a big loss for English football and for his family, for his wife.’

England legends such as Gary Lineker, Gary Neville and Alan Shearer posted heartfelt messages on social media platform X in memory of Venables on Sunday. 

Lineker spent two years at Tottenham under Venables, and was also signed by the manager for Barcelona from Everton in 1986.

Meanwhile both Shearer and Neville were part of the England setup under the former Spurs and Chelsea player. 

Venables (R) with assistant Allan Harris and striker Steve Archibald at the Nou Camp in 1984

Venables is fondly remember at Barcelona having ended their league title drought in 1985

Lineker said: 'Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for. 

'He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend. He'll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry. ' 

Shearer posted: 'Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing.' 

Manchester United legend Gary Neville posted a long and emotional message hailing Venables as 'my number one England coach in my whole career.'