He owned a Bentley back then. Back when Manchester City had only four league titles to their name. Back when navigating the three entrances to their sprawling training ground, encased by green mesh, was all new.
Pep Guardiola arrived on day one ready to work, domination of English football a distant dream, so long ago that David Cameron and Barack Obama were both still in office.
He pulled up to the gates as the most recognisable coach in world football, pioneer of a new wave and a trophy hoarder, but his face alone was not enough for whoever manned the booth at City's HQ that particular morning.