Pep Guardiola has announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable decade that reshaped modern English football.
The 55-year-old confirmed his decision in a club statement on Friday, describing his departure as a natural conclusion to an era defined by sustained success and evolution.
“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time,” Guardiola said.
During his tenure, Guardiola guided Manchester City to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.
His final match in charge is expected to be against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, after which he is reportedly set to continue working within the City Football Group as a global ambassador.
Guardiola’s trophy haul also includes three FA Cups, five League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and multiple Community Shields, cementing his status as one of football’s most successful managers.
Arriving in England in 2016 after highly successful spells with FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Guardiola quickly transformed Manchester City into a dominant force in domestic and European football.
His tactical philosophy, built around possession-based attacking football, has had a lasting influence on the English game, shaping coaching trends across the Premier League and beyond.
Several of his former assistants, including Mikel Arteta, have gone on to lead top clubs, continuing his tactical legacy in England.
Speculation has already begun over his successor, with former City coach Enzo Maresca widely linked with a potential move to the Etihad.
Guardiola’s departure also comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Manchester City over alleged financial rule breaches, a case that has remained unresolved since Premier League charges were filed in 2023.
Despite that backdrop, his achievements have firmly established him as one of the most influential figures in the history of club football.
