Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable 10-year tenure that delivered 20 major trophies. The 55-year-old Catalan manager made the announcement in an emotional statement, reflecting on his time at the club and the deep connection he formed with the city and its people.
Guardiola's Emotional Farewell
In his announcement, Guardiola recalled his first interview at the club with Noel Gallagher, saying: 'When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun. And what a time we have had together.' He added: '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 spoke passionately about the city's working-class roots, stating: '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. Simply the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. And I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did too. We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way.'
He also touched on difficult moments, including the Manchester Arena attack and the loss of his mother during COVID, saying: '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. 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.'
Club Leadership Responds
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak paid tribute to Guardiola's impact, saying: 'Over the last ten years honesty and trust have formed the bedrock on which we have navigated every situation together with Pep – always understanding that we could find the right answer together. Today the right answer is for Pep to finish his journey as the Manager of Manchester City.' He added: 'The unique approach that he brings to his coaching has allowed him to constantly challenge the accepted truths of our game. It is the reason that in the last ten years he has not only made Manchester City better – he has also made football better.'
Chief executive officer Ferran Soriano also expressed gratitude: 'We have been privileged to work alongside Pep Guardiola for 10 years. We have witnessed his greatness and dedication, but also enjoyed his companionship, his friendship and humanity. What a privilege it has been for so many of us at Manchester City!' He highlighted Guardiola's ability to win repeatedly, stating: 'If there is something more difficult than winning, it is winning again. It requires incredible persistence, resilience and the humility to start again every year, with the same energy, again and again. This is what Pep did.'
Legacy and Future
Guardiola leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, with 20 major trophies including multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and a Champions League. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history. The club confirmed that Guardiola will remain involved in a consultancy role, using his knowledge and experience to help managers and players across the City Football Group.
As Guardiola concluded: 'So as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for loving me.'
