Pep Guardiola accepts next job role after confirming Man City exit in emotional statement
Pep Guardiola will step down as Manchester City manager at the end of the 2025-26 season, but he will not be saying goodbye to the City Football Group.
It has been a memorable 10-year spell in Manchester for the Spaniard, who has led City to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and a Champions League during an incredibly successful stay.
He will take charge of his final game against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon before receiving what will no doubt be an emotional farewell from the Etihad crowd.
In fact, City confirmed on Friday that the newly-expanded North Stand at the Etihad will be named ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’, and a statue of Guardiola will be commissioned and feature nearby its entrance.
Advert
Speaking about his departure, Guardiola says he knew it was his time to go.
"Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving," he said. "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."
As well as confirming his exit, City announced that Guardiola has agreed to take up a new role as global ambassador, which will see him give technical advice to clubs within the City Football Group.
It means Guardiola will work on "specific projects and collaborations" with clubs such as Italian side Palermo and French outfit Troyes, who recently secured promotion to Ligue 1.
Pep Guardiola's emotional statement after stepping down as Manchester City manager
In an emotional statement on Manchester City's website, Guardiola opened up about his time as City manager.
“When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, ‘Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun,’” Guardiola began.
“And 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.
“Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League, and you were there. Trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too.
“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. Cris, my kids, my whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon, you were there too.
“Players don’t forget - every single instant, moment, me, my staff, this club, everything. What we have done, we have done it for all of you. And you have been just exceptional. You don’t know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy.
“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. Tony Walsh said in his unforgettable poem this is the place. I’m sorry, Tony: this is my place."
Guardiola added: “Noel…I was right. It has been so f****** fun. Love you all.”
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Man City, Premier League
Jack Kenmare