Brian Kidd admits seeing so many of his friends pass away over the last year influenced his decision to leave Manchester City.
Kidd has resigned as coach after 12 years with the club.
"It's been a sobering 18 months," he told the Manchester Evening News. “You only have to look at the families who have lost loved ones to see that.
“And football has not been the same with the restrictions. The time was right to step aside.
“I have nothing but huge gratitude to City. People will always try to put two and two together and look for hidden agendas but I give you my word there is nothing untoward.
“I've had 12 wonderful years with three great managers, and being a local lad it has meant the world to me.
“But recent times have not been the same. I'm 72, Colin (Bell) has just passed away, and then there was Tony (Dunne) and Nobby (Stiles) … so many."
