Pep Guardiola has announced he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on a decade that has redefined English football and delivered unprecedented success to the club.
Read more: Guardiola Announces Departure from Manchester City: “I Know It’s My Time”During his ten-year tenure, Guardiola led City to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League crowns and the club’s first-ever Champions League triumph. His final match at the helm will be against Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday, after which he is expected to continue with City Football Group as a global ambassador.
Reflecting on his departure, Guardiola said in a club statement on Friday: “What a time we have had together! Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time. Nothing is eternal; if it were, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.”
Speculation about Guardiola’s exit first emerged on Monday. At the time, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager declined to comment on his future, as City narrowly missed out on another Premier League title to Arsenal the following day.
Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea manager who previously served on Guardiola’s coaching staff at City, is widely tipped to succeed him at the Etihad.
Guardiola, 55, departs with a glittering haul including three FA Cups, five League Cups, the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and three Community Shields, in addition to his league triumphs.
Already one of Europe’s most decorated coaches when he arrived in England, Guardiola’s earlier spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich yielded two Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles, and three Bundesliga crowns. Few expected him to stay long at City, but his influence over the past decade has transformed the club and left an indelible mark on English football.
Under his guidance and with the backing of Abu Dhabi ownership, City emerged from the shadow of Manchester United to dominate the domestic scene. Guardiola’s distinctive possession-based style has been emulated at all levels of the English game. Even City’s rivals have turned to coaches from his inner circle, with Mikel Arteta ending Arsenal’s 22-year title drought, and Chelsea appointing Xabi Alonso, who played under Guardiola at Bayern.
Guardiola’s departure comes as City await the outcome of an investigation into more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations. The case, first brought in February 2023, has loomed over the club since an independent commission hearing concluded in December 2024.
