Manchester City announced on Friday that manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club after Sunday’s final game of the season, ending a decade-long spell that transformed the club into one of Europe’s dominant forces.
The 55-year-old Spaniard, who has guided City to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, will take charge of his final match against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.”Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving, there is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola’s departure had been anticipated after reports earlier this week suggested City were preparing for his exit despite a contract that was due to run until 2027. Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked under Guardiola at City, has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed him.
The announcement comes days after City surrendered the Premier League title to Arsenal. A draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday confirmed Arsenal as champions for the first time in 22 years.
Guardiola arrived at City in 2016, replacing Manuel Pellegrini, and established one of the most successful eras in English football history.
Under him, City became the first Premier League side to reach 100 points in a season in 2017-18 and set a record of 106 goals in the same campaign.
In 2022-23, they joined Manchester United as the only English clubs to complete a domestic league, FA Cup and Champions League treble.City also became the first club to win four consecutive English top-flight titles when they secured the 2023-24 championship.