Pep Guardiola provided an unexpected surprise at the Stadio Rigamonti on Sunday, turning up unannounced to watch third-tier side Union Brescia take on Pro Patria in Serie C, just 24 hours after Manchester City’s hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle.

The Catalan coach has long maintained a deep affection for Brescia, and his visit was a personal one, arriving to celebrate the birthday of close friend Edoardo Piovani, the club manager of Giuseppe Pasini’s outfit.

Guardiola took his seat in the Feralpi sky box in the main stand, as per La Repubblica, joined by former Icelandic midfielder Birkir Bjarnason, who had only recently hung up his boots after ending his playing career at Brescia last season.

‘Union’ Brescia won the match 3-2, as they continue their aims to return to Serie B for the first time as the newly formed club.

Man City boss Guardiola snubs North London Derby to watch Brescia

Rather than watching Arsenal, City’s direct title rivals, who were in action in the north London derby against Tottenham, Guardiola chose to indulge an old footballing love instead.

He had, after all, told his players after Saturday’s match to take three days off and switch off completely.

It was his first time watching Brescia in person since 3 November 2011, when the club was managed by Scienza.

Guardiola‘s own connection to Brescia dates back to his playing days, he spent a year and a half with the club across the 2000-01 season and the first half of 2003, making 26 appearances and scoring three goals.

A nostalgic afternoon, then, for one of football’s most recognisable figures.