Club manager Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City after 10 trophy-filled years, ending one of football’s greatest managerial eras.
Manchester City have confirmed that legendary manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the season, bringing to a close a remarkable 10-year reign that transformed the Premier League side into one of the most dominant teams in world football.
Guardiola, who still had one year left on his contract, will officially depart following City’s final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday.
In an emotional farewell statement, the Spaniard reflected on his decade-long journey at the Etihad Stadium.
“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.”
The 55-year-old manager leaves Manchester City after guiding the club to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a historic UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023.
Despite securing a domestic cup double in his final campaign, City narrowly missed out on the Premier League title following their draw against AFC Bournemouth.
In recognition of his achievements, Manchester City announced that the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be renamed “The Pep Guardiola Stand,” while a statue is also being commissioned to honour what the club described as his “incredible contribution during his 10 historic years.”
Speaking during his final press conference on Friday, Guardiola revealed that he plans to step away from football management for an extended period.
“Rest!” he said.
“No plans for [coaching] for a while. Otherwise I would be here. I need to step back. I will not [coach] for a while.”
Guardiola, who joined City in February 2016, said the decision to leave had been developing over time and was driven partly by emotional and physical exhaustion.
“It’s the time. It’s not like going to sleep one day and the day after to say ‘now is the time’. It’s the process, I felt it for a while,” he said.
“The club respect me, the decision. The club has to be ready. This job, it’s Selhurst Park, Anfield, Madrid and Madrid, FA Cup — now I have to live my life and see what happens.
“The club needs a new manager, new energy, with these incredible players we have right now. And start to write a new chapter.”
Guardiola admitted that maintaining the relentless energy required to compete for titles had become increasingly difficult.
“Absolutely,” he said when asked whether energy levels influenced his decision.
“I feel I will not have the energy every day, with expectations to fight for the title. I know myself, I have that energy but I feel like I will not have [in the future].
“It’s been 10 years. It’s not ambition. After 10 years, ‘ok Pep’. It’s good to shake, to move, new faces. It’s the perfect moment, the perfect time.”
Reflecting on his emotional connection to Manchester, Guardiola delivered a deeply personal tribute to the city, its people and the club’s supporters.
“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,” he said.
“This is a city built from work. From graft. You see it in the colour of the bricks. From people who clocked in early, stayed late. The factories. The Pankhursts. The unions. The music.”
“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way.”
Guardiola also referenced some of the most difficult moments experienced during his time in Manchester, including the Manchester Arena attack and the death of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Remember the Manchester Arena attack, when this city showed the world what strength actually looks like? Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community. Togetherness. A city united,” he said.
“Remember losing my mum during COVID and feeling this club carry me through it. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most.”
Thanking the club’s supporters, players and executives, Guardiola said the bond created over the last decade would remain with him forever.
“Players don’t forget — every single instant, moment, me, my staff, this club, everything,” he said.
“What we have done, we have done it for all of you. And you have been just exceptional.”
“So as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me.”
Manchester City also confirmed that Guardiola will continue his association with the City Football Group as a global ambassador, where he will provide technical advice and collaborate on strategic football projects across the organisation.
His departure comes as the club continues to await the outcome of investigations into 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations between 2009 and 2018 — allegations City continue to deny.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in from across football, with former Liverpool FC defender Jamie Carragher describing Guardiola as the greatest manager in Premier League history.
“It is only if he is one or two [best Premier League managers], and we know who the other guy is,” Carragher said, referring to Sir Alex Ferguson.
“You’d have to say Pep Guardiola is the greatest manager we have seen in the Premier League era.”
Carragher added that Guardiola’s tactical innovations had permanently reshaped modern football.
“Whether it is playing out from the back, inverted full-backs or the high press, it has been a remarkable revolution,” he said.
“The question was whether his style would fit into this country, but now this country is built on his style.”