Pep Guardiola has officially confirmed he will step down as the manager of Manchester City at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season with an emotional farewell message.
It marks the end of a transformative decade that saw the Catalan tactician redefine the standards of English football and Europe in general.
Since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium in July 2016, Guardiola has been the architect of a golden age for the Citizens.
Over his ten-year tenure, he has secured 20 major trophies, establishing Manchester City as a dominant force both domestically and on the European stage.
His resume at the club is nothing short of extraordinary. He won six league titles that cemented City’s status as the team to beat in England.
The crowning achievement of his tenure came in 2023, when he led the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
Pep Guardiola dominated with haul of FA Cups and League Cups, including a memorable domestic double during this final season.
Guardiola said: “What a time we have had together. 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.
“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.
“It has been so f****** fun.
While his time in the dugout is coming to an end, Guardiola is not severing ties with the organization entirely. The club has announced that he will transition into a new role as a Global Ambassador for the City Football Group.
In this capacity, he will provide technical advice and contribute to special projects, ensuring his vast knowledge and tactical expertise continue to benefit the wider football network.
As for the club, the search for a successor is already the subject of intense speculation. Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea manager who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad, is currently widely tipped to take the helm.
