The Spanish coach stepped down as City boss at the end of the season following a glittering period in charge and the chairman knew that the coach "meant it" this time around.

In his annual interview with the club's in-house media, Khaldoon said: "I knew it and that's why I didn't fight it.

"Throughout these years, I've always fought it and always brought him back because I knew that was always the answer.

"But in this particular one, I think he knew - and I knew that he knew - and that is why it was the right thing for him and it was the natural thing."

Khaldoon explained that he considers himself to be a "psychiatrist" to Guardiola after frequently talking him out of leaving the club in the past.

The Emirati businessman said: "He's more than just the manager of the club. To me, he's a friend. Over these years we have become close friends and I don't know if he will admit it, but I consider myself his psychiatrist.

"Inevitably we have had a lot of ups and some downs and in the downs, he must have quit 100 times over these 10 years.

"There is the story as you all know, The Boy that Cries Wolf. In the case of Pep, when he says I quit, it doesn't mean he's quitting. You don't take it that seriously - you have to manage him."

Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been tipped to take over from Guardiola and Khaldoon urged City fans to "be patient" as they await their next manager.

He said: "Just be patient with us. Very soon we will announce it and you will be comfortable that we have selected and brought in the best manager possible."