Manchester City began their attempts to tie Pep Guardiola down to a new contract shortly after lifting last season’s Premier League crown.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak asked Guardiola of his intentions during a visit to Abu Dhabi following the dramatic crescendo to the manager’s fourth league title on the final day.
The Catalan – who penned a two-year extension until 2025 – delayed a decision, wanting to find out whether City’s players were still responding to his methods.
Guardiola also spoke extensively with his wife Cristina and children before committing to a deal that could take him to nine years in charge at the Etihad Stadium.