Manchester City have confirmed that Pep Guardiola will depart the club after their final game of the Premier League season against Aston Villa at the Etihad early on Monday morning Australia time.
Reports emerged in the lead up to City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth mid-week, which confirmed Arsenal’s title victory, that the Spaniard would end his 10-year reign despite having a year to run on his contract.
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Guardiola won 20 trophies with City, including the FA Cup and League Cup this season, after successful stints with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The 55-year-old released an emotional statement confirming the news of his departure on Friday morning UK time.
“And what a time we have had together,” Guardiola said.
“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 was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.”
Guardiola’s former understudy Enzo Maresca is reportedly set to take over. The Italian most recently managed Chelsea.
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Guardiola’s trophy haul also included three FA Cups, five League Cups, the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and three Community Shields.
Guardiola arrived in England as already one of Europe’s most decorated coaches. His four-year spell at boyhood club Barcelona between 2008 and 2012 captured admirers across the globe, winning two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles.
He added three more league titles in three seasons at Bayern. A similarly short spell was expected when City lured him to the Premier League. But his influence has transformed the English game at all levels over the past 10 years.
Backed by the deep pockets of Abu Dhabi royalty, City have stepped out of the shadow of local rivals Manchester United to become the dominant force in the Premier League.
Guardiola’s brand of passing football has been copied from grassroots through to the elite level.
Even City’s competitors have turned to his disciples to catch up. Arsenal’s 22-year wait to win the Premier League was ended by another of his former assistants Mikel Arteta.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has said his coaching philosophy was shaped by watching the City boss’ Barcelona team, while new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso moved to Bayern in the final years of his playing career to gain the experience of working under Guardiola.
The timing of Guardiola’s exit comes with the outcome of an investigation into more than 100 alleged breaches by City of financial regulations still to be released.
First charged by the Premier League in February 2023, an independent commission hearing concluded in December 2024 with the case hanging over City’s achievements on the pitch ever since.