HE

has won plenty of admirers for his team on the pitch but Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola recently displayed his class off it.

The Spaniard visited City life president and former club secretary Bernard Halford at the city’s Christie Hospital when it became clear the 77-year-old was nearing the end of his life after a period of ill health.

Guardiola spent an hour with Halford and his wife in his room, where they swapped stories about football, holidays and life.

The City manager departed for Manchester Airport, where he was due to catch a flight for Spain, following an emotional farewell embrace.

City will name an academy auditorium at the club’s training facility after the popular Halford, while a minute’s applause will take place before their home match against Cardiff on Wednesday with Guardiola’s men wearing black armbands.