Pep Guardiola Confirms He Will Leave Manchester City After 10 Years

Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will leave Manchester City this weekend, bringing an end to his 10-year spell in charge of the club and his time in the Premier League.

During his tenure, Guardiola won 17 major trophies at the Etihad Stadium, including the FA Cup after a win over Chelsea.

Pep Guardiola also narrowly missed out on a seventh Premier League title before deciding to step down.

His final match in charge will be Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, marking the end of a decade-long era.

In a farewell message, Guardiola said there was no single reason behind his decision to leave, explaining instead that he simply felt it was the right moment to move on.

He said: “When I arrived, my first video was with Noel Gallagher. I walk out thinking, “oh, Noel is here, this will be fun.”

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“And what a time we have had together. Don’t ask me the reasons why I’m leaving. There is no reason. But deep inside I know it’s my time. Nothing is eternal. If it was, it 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 clock in early and who stay late.

“The factories, the bankers, the unions, the music. Simply, the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did, too. We work and we suffer. 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. And trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too.

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“Remember the Manchester Arena Attack? When the city showed the world what strength actually looks like. Not anger. Not fear.

“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.

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“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.”

Although his contract was originally set to run until 2027, Pep Guardiola has agreed to leave one year early.

Reports suggest that former assistant Enzo Maresca is currently the leading candidate to replace him.

ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola Restrained From Attacking A Fan Who Mocked Him On The Street [Video]

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