Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has openly admitted to one of his few regrets during his managerial tenure at the club—selling Spanish winger-turned-right-back Jesus Navas in 2017.

This revelation comes as Manchester City faces a rare slump, with the team securing only two wins in their last 14 matches across all competitions. The underwhelming run has left the defending champions sixth in the Premier League, a daunting 14 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Reflecting on his decision, Guardiola shared heartfelt words with Navas, who recently announced his retirement from professional football. "Thank you for the gift of having spent a year together. You don’t know how much I regret letting you go," Guardiola said during a recent interaction.

Navas joined Manchester City in 2013, featuring in 183 matches and becoming a reliable presence before his move back to Sevilla in 2017. Toward the end of his City stint, Guardiola experimented with Navas as a right-back, a role that highlighted the player's versatility.

"I would have loved for you to stay longer here, but sometimes you make mistakes," Guardiola admitted, addressing the fans of Sevilla. "Congratulations to all Sevillistas for having had such an extraordinary player and a person who defines Sevillismo."

The regret expressed by Guardiola not only highlights his respect for Navas but also adds a personal layer to Manchester City’s struggles this season. With the January transfer window now open, questions loom over how Guardiola will address the club’s challenges and whether lessons from past decisions will guide his future moves.