Pep Guardiola will depart Manchester City at the conclusion of the current Premier League season, the club announced on Thursday, bringing an end to a decade-long era of unprecedented success. City simultaneously confirmed that Guardiola will transition into a new role as a Global Ambassador within the wider City Football Group.
The Spaniard arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016 and has since overseen six Premier League title wins, one Champions League triumph, three FA Cups, and five League Cups, fundamentally reshaping the club’s fortunes. Guardiola addressed the Manchester City website, stating, “What a time we have had together… There is no reason [for leaving], but deep inside, I know it’s my time.”
City have already moved to secure a successor, with Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea manager, reportedly agreeing terms in principle earlier this month, according to TEAMtalk. The club are prepared to negotiate a compensation package with Chelsea to facilitate Maresca’s appointment.
Guardiola’s new role within the City Football Group will involve providing technical advice to clubs within the group, contributing to specific projects, and fostering collaborations, mirroring a similar position recently taken by Jurgen Klopp with Red Bull. While his future beyond this ambassadorial role remains uncertain, Guardiola has been linked with potential international opportunities, including the England, Brazil, and Italy national teams.
He will focus on finishing his tenure with City strongly, leading the team in their final Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday. This fixture is expected to be an emotional occasion for all involved, marking a significant farewell to a manager who has redefined English football. The appointment of Maresca signals a continuation of City’s ambition to remain at the pinnacle of the game, while Guardiola’s continued involvement with the City Group ensures his expertise will remain within the organisation.
