A Legacy Coming to an End

Pep Guardiola has officially confirmed that he will step down as the manager of Manchester City. His departure follows the completion of the 2025-26 Premier League season, marking the end of a ten-year era that fundamentally transformed the club.

The 55-year-old tactician arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, following successful managerial stints at FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Over the course of his decade in Manchester, he guided the squad to 20 major honors, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and a historic Champions League victory in 2023.

Guardiola’s Farewell to the Fans

In a poignant message addressed to the supporters, Guardiola reflected on his decision to move on:

«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.»

In recognition of his monumental impact, the club has announced that the North Stand at Etihad Stadium will be renamed in his honor. «The Pep Guardiola Stand» is set to debut during the team's final match of the season against Aston Villa. Furthermore, the club is moving forward with plans to commission a statue of the manager.

The Era of Record-Breaking Success

Aside from his debut season in 2016-17, Guardiola ensured that Manchester City secured at least two trophies in every campaign that followed. A standout moment remains the 2022-23 season, where the team achieved a historic treble, becoming only the second English club to claim the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in a single year.

His tenure was defined by sheer dominance and record-breaking statistics:

  • 2017-18 Dominance: Set unprecedented Premier League records, including 100 points, 106 goals scored, 32 wins, 50 away points, and a goal difference of +79.
  • Final Campaign: Guardiola concluded his tenure by securing a second-place league finish alongside FA Cup and League Cup titles.

Closing his farewell, the manager expressed his gratitude toward the fans, stating: «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.»