The earthquake that Manchester City fans have spent ten long years dreading has finally struck. In a stunning, highly emotional press conference on Friday, Pep Guardiola officially confirmed that he will step down as Manchester City manager at the end of the 2025/26 season.
The 55-year-old tactical genius has chosen to exercise a break clause in his contract, allowing him to leave the Etihad Stadium one year earlier than his scheduled June 2027 expiration date. Sunday’s final-day Premier League clash against Aston Villa will serve as his 593rd and final match in charge of the Sky Blues.
To ensure his unparalleled footballing brain isn’t completely lost to the organization, City have announced that Guardiola will transition into a Global Ambassador role for the City Football Group (CFG), providing technical advice to their network of clubs worldwide.
“Nothing is Eternal”: Pep’s Emotional Farewell
Guardiola appeared visibly moved as he addressed the media, reflecting on a legendary decade in the North of England that completely rewrote the record books of the English game.
“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving,” Guardiola stated. “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. I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I will not train for a while.”
The club has wasted no time in preparing massive tributes for their greatest-ever leader. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak confirmed that the Etihad Stadium’s North Stand will officially be renamed “The Pep Guardiola Stand,” alongside a custom statue that has been commissioned to stand permanently outside the ground.
