Manchester City confirmed on Friday, May 22, 2026, that manager Pep Guardiola will depart the club following Sunday's final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
The 55-year-old coach spent 10 seasons with the club, guiding them to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy.
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Guardiola had one year remaining on his contract extension signed in November 2024 but decided to step down early.
He will remain with the City Football Group as a global ambassador.
The announcement followed a Premier League campaign where Manchester City finished behind champions Arsenal.
Guardiola secured a domestic cup double in his final season, despite missing out on the league title after a recent draw at Bournemouth.
Over his decade-long tenure, Guardiola achieved 416 wins in 592 matches, recording a 70.3 percent win ratio while scoring 1,422 goals.
Emotional Farewell
"Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving," said Guardiola. "There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time."
He expressed gratitude to staff and fans who supported him through major historical and personal moments, including the Manchester Arena attack and the passing of his mother.
"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," Guardiola said.
The manager recalled his arrival in 2016 and referenced local cultural icons like the band Oasis and poet Tony Walsh to describe his deep connection to the city.
