Pep Guardiola to leave Manchester City after 10 years

Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, the Premier League club confirmed Friday, bringing to a close a decade-long tenure that transformed the English club into a global footballing power.

The 55-year-old Catalan manager, who arrived in July 2016, has won 20 major trophies during his time in charge, including six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups, one European Super Cup, and one Club World Cup. His final match will be Sunday against Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium in the season's final round.

Guardiola's departure comes despite him having signed a contract extension in November 2024 that was set to run through June 2027. In a video statement released by the club, he said he had no specific reason for leaving but felt the moment was right.

"Do not ask me why I am leaving. There is no reason, but deep down I know it is my moment," Guardiola said. "Nothing is eternal. If it were, I would still be here. What will be eternal are the feelings, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City."

He added: "What wonderful moments we have lived together. We have worked, we have suffered and we have fought. And we have done it with our style."

In a statement, Guardiola said the club needs "new energy" following his departure. "Ten years is a lot of time and I think the club needs a new manager, new energy, these incredible players we have right now," he said.

Following his exit from the managerial position, Guardiola will continue his association with City Football Group, the parent company that owns Manchester City and several other clubs worldwide. He will assume the role of global ambassador, providing technical advice to clubs within the group and working on specific projects and collaborations.

Manchester City announced several tributes to mark Guardiola's departure. The club's newly renovated north stand will be named The Pep Guardiola Stand and will open fully for the first time during Sunday's final match. A statue of Guardiola will also be erected outside the stadium on the approach to the stand.

Club owner Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the decision to name the stand after Guardiola was made "in recognition of the incredible contribution that Pep has made during his historic ten years as manager of the club."

Guardiola's assistant manager Pep Lijnders will also leave Manchester City at the end of the season. The Dutch coach declined to sign a new long-term contract to remain with the club under incoming management.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to be announced as Guardiola's successor, with reports indicating a verbal agreement is in place between the Italian coach and the club.