Manchester City have confirmed Pep Guardiola will leave the club after Sunday’s final match of the season, ending a historic 10-year run at the Etihad.
Guardiola signed an initial three-year contract in February 2016, replacing Manuel Pellegrini ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. The 55-year-old has since changed English football, reshaping the Premier League with City’s dominance and an attacking style.
In a decade in charge he guided City to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023. Overall, he won 17 major honours in 10 top-flight seasons with the club, cementing his place among the game’s greatest managers.
His final match will be against Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday. Reports emerged earlier this week that City were already preparing for his departure despite him having a year left on his contract.
“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving,” Guardiola said. “There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time.
“Nothing is eternal. If it were, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.”
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who once worked under Guardiola at City, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him.
Confirmation of Guardiola’s exit comes three days after City lost the 2025-26 Premier League title to Arsenal. City’s draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday handed Arsenal their first league title in 22 years.
