Pep Guardiola Announces Departure from Manchester City After 10-Year Stint

London. Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has announced the end of his historic 10-year journey with the club. Citing the club's need for new energy, the 55-year-old Guardiola has concluded his successful tenure.

As confirmed by the club, the final league match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium this coming Sunday will be his last game for City. Under Guardiola's leadership since joining City a decade ago, the club has won 17 major titles, including 6 Premier League titles and one Champions League.

In recognition of his historic contribution to the club, the newly built North Stand of City will be named after him. This stand will be fully opened for the first time during the final match against Europa League winners Villa.

In addition, a full-size statue of Guardiola will be erected on the road leading to the stand, the club has stated. Although Guardiola's contract still had one year remaining, City had already begun preparations for his departure a year in advance.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday before his final match, Guardiola clarified his decision, saying, '10 years is a very long time, and I think the club needs a new manager and new energy so that these excellent players can write another new chapter.'

He added, 'I felt that I would not have the necessary energy to fight for trophies every three days and stand in front of the players in the future. It is a good thing for everyone to have a change in the team after 10 years, to see different faces. If I didn't believe this and they didn't sack me, I would stay here, but this is the right time for this decision.'

Guardiola informed the team's players of his decision on Friday morning. He admitted that his speech to the players was very emotional. He stated that he became much more emotional and anxious than in the past during that time.

In a video message released on Friday, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach said, 'Nothing lasts forever; if it did, I would stay here. But the people of Manchester City, the memories here, and the love I have received will always remain immortal in my heart.'

With Guardiola's departure, former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who worked under him at City, is seen as the frontrunner for the new coaching position. Guardiola's decision to leave comes three days after Arsenal won the Premier League title for the 2025-26 season, surpassing Manchester City.

Arsenal became champions for the first time since 2004 after being held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth on Tuesday. In his final season, Guardiola led City to the FA Cup and League Cup titles.

Although he has announced a temporary break from coaching, he will remain connected as a global ambassador for the City Football Group (CFG) and will be active in providing technical advice to clubs under this umbrella.