Pep Guardiola revealed ahead of Friday's mouthwatering FA Cup tie with Arsenal that Mikel Arteta would have been his successor at Manchester City but "he didn't wait".
Arteta spent three years as Guardiola's assistant between 2016-2019.
Together the pair lifted the Premier League twice, the League Cup twice, and the FA Cup.
Arteta swapped the Etihad for the Emirates in December 2019 after the dismissal of Unai Emery. Tasked with what seemed to be an impossible job, the Spaniard is restoring the glory days in North London, with the Gunners sat five-points clear at the top of the league - with a game in hand over second.
After lifting the FA Cup in 2020, beating Guardiola's Man City in the process, Arteta's side are on the verge of ending their 19 year quest for Premier League glory - their first since the invincible season of 2004.
The prodigy is on the cusp of defeating his master - and Guardiola revealed that his student was destined to take over as the Man City boss, had the 52-year-old not extended his stay.
"I am pretty sure if I would have left before, he would be here and he would be the best, absolutely", Guardiola said during his press conference.
"But I extended the contract, I am sorry, and he didn't wait, so it could not happen, but definitely [it could have happened]".
Before becoming their manager, Arteta signed for the Gunners in 2011, where he captained his side to FA Cup glory twice, before retiring in 2016.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Guardiola said that he holds no grudges against Arteta for seeking a new opportunity, and there is no benefit in keeping a coach or player who has dreams elsewhere.
His staff felt that if an opportunity presented itself to Arteta which was too good to turn down, he should grab it with both hands. Football is a short career and the time should be spent in places where you are at your happiest and able to flourish, Guardiola suggested.
"I said many times to my players and staff. I had many assistant coaches and I said I don't want anyone who doesn't agree with me. We felt if one team could offer him to be manager he would leave.
"It could happen one or two years before, it didn't happen. I am not a guy to say no you have to stay with me. Everyone has dreams.
"I know he went to his club, the team he dreams of. He's a supporter, for the fact he played there, he was a captain there. He loves the club.
"I remember when we were together here when we score goals he jumps a lot and celebrates except one team. One team every time we score a goal, I jump, look back, and he was sitting there. It was Arsenal. It was at that moment I said that guy likes Arsenal.
"Like me, training here or Barcelona if I'm training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I will go. My club. I'm not a person to say stay here and sign a contract. People have to fly when he believes is the best.
"To players I said many times if they are not happy they have to leave, life is too short. Especially players. Spend time in a place you believe suits you better, if it's a bad place or you don't like it, leave."
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"His influence on me was great, massive, so important to become a better manager."
Guardiola got the lowdown on Arteta from City's fitness coach, Lorenzo Buenaventura. After discussing future plans, Arteta was hired as assistant manager, courtesy of a glowing recommendation from Buenaventura.
After just 15 minutes, Guardiola knew that he had the perfect man for the job, with Arteta's expert analysis and Premier League experience a driving factor.
"We were in touch before, I have Lorenzo Buenaventura [City fitness coach], maybe my closest friend because we start together the first month in Barcelona, and he knows Mikel really well.
"We had conversations and he said I would like to work together and I can help you because I know the Premier League perfectly. I know all the managers.
"I remember the first game we play against Sunderland. We play against David Moyes. It was at that he said I know him well, he was at Everton, he does this and that.
"After 15 minutes, half an hour, I said 'Yeah, this is the guy to help me anticipate'. You have to know sooner or later, but to have someone to anticipate the knowledge of what does it mean to go to Stoke away, or to every stadium. A guy who has been many years here. Part of that, we start to work together.
"I don't know my part on him but his influence on me was great, massive, so important to become a better manager."
