Updated: 22 May 2026 11:29 BST |
5 min read
Manchester City have officially confirmed that Pep Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the 2025-26 season.
The Spaniard has been heavily linked with an Etihad Stadium exit in recent months and, earlier this week, it was widely reported that he would step down following Man City’s match against Aston Villa on Sunday.
This has now been officially announced by the club, who have confirmed that Guardiola will step down after a hugely successful 10-year stint in charge.
The 55-year-old arrived at City in 2026, following spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and he has won a whopping 17 major trophies during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including the Champions League in 2023 and six Premier League titles.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is expected to be announced as Guardiola’s permanent replacement shortly, with the Italian having been Man City’s assistant manager during their treble-winning campaign in 2022-23.
Pep Guardiola issues Man City exit statement
In a statement posted on the official Man City website, Guardiola said: “When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, ‘Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun.’
“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.
“What a time we have had together.” 🩵 pic.twitter.com/WpkFecBYT4
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 22, 2026
“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.
“Noel…I was right.
“It has been so f****** fun.
“Love you all.”
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