Pep Guardiola on Friday has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing to a close a highly successful 10-year spell in which he transformed the club into one of Europe’s dominant forces.
Guardiola, whose contract had one year remaining, said he will take charge of his final match against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. City also announced that he will later serve as a global ambassador for the club.
“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time,” Guardiola said, adding that while nothing lasts forever, the memories and relationships built at the club would remain permanent.
Since arriving in 2016, the Spanish coach guided Manchester City to six Premier League titles and their first-ever UEFA Champions League crown in 2023. During his tenure, he won 17 major trophies with the club, including multiple domestic doubles.
Guardiola also set several records, including becoming the first manager to lead a team to four consecutive English league titles and to reach 100 points in a single Premier League season.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak praised his contribution, saying Guardiola not only improved Manchester City but also “made football better” through his tactical influence and possession-based style that reshaped English football.
Despite recent setbacks, including two seasons without a league title and early Champions League exits, Guardiola’s era is widely regarded as one of sustained dominance in modern football.
City CEO Ferran Soriano described his impact as historic, noting the difficulty of maintaining consistent success at the highest level.
Guardiola’s departure comes amid ongoing scrutiny over alleged financial breaches involving the club, which Manchester City has consistently denied. Guardiola has also publicly backed the club’s innocence.
City said his new ambassadorial role will involve providing technical guidance within the club’s ownership network.
FP/MI
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Guardiola to leave Manchester City after 10-year trophy-laden era
