Pep Guardiola Confirms Exit From Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will leave the club after Sunday’s Premier League finale against Aston Villa, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in English football.

Manchester City confirmed earlier today, May 22, that Guardiola’s final match in charge will come at the Etihad Stadium, ending a decade-long spell that delivered 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a historic Treble.

Naija News reported earlier this week that Man City had already begun planning for life after Guardiola, despite the Spaniard still having a year left on his contract.

“Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

“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 previously worked under Guardiola at City, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him.

Guardiola’s exit comes days after City surrendered the 2025-26 Premier League title to Arsenal. A draw away at Bournemouth on Tuesday confirmed Arsenal as champions for the first time in 22 years.

The 55-year-old arrived at City in 2016 after replacing Manuel Pellegrini. Although his first season ended without silverware, City quickly established themselves as the dominant force in England under his leadership.

His side became the first in Premier League history to reach 100 points during the 2017-18 campaign, while also scoring a record 106 goals.

In 2022-23, City joined Manchester United as the only English clubs to win the Treble, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season. They followed that by becoming the first side to win four consecutive English league titles.

Despite stepping down as manager, City said Guardiola would remain connected to the organisation as a global ambassador for the City Football Group.

Before joining City, Guardiola won three Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich and built a legendary side at Barcelona, where he claimed multiple La Liga and Champions League trophies.

As a player, Guardiola also enjoyed a decorated career with Barcelona and won Olympic gold with Spain at the 1992 Barcelona Games.