Pep Guardiola confirms Man City exit

Pep Guardiola has officially confirmed his departure from Manchester City on Friday, after a decade-long, trophy-laden campaign in the Premier League since taking over the reins from Manuel Pellegrini in June 2016.

The Spaniard, since his arrival, has left visible footprints in the Premier League with his philosophy centred on structure, positional discipline, controlled possession, and tactical manipulation of space, plus an entertaining orchestra filled with goals and thrills.

His influence has been immense on the English league. Leaving several managers to inadvertently adapt his style of play, departing from the old traditional English style crafted around quick transitions, high-tempo attacking play, aggressive pressing, and a reliance on individual moments.

Reports that Guardiola could leave City this summer surfaced on Monday, 18 June 2026. While the speculation may have caught some by surprise, there had long been a growing sense that the Catalan’s time at the Etihad Stadium was approaching its conclusion, despite still having a year remaining on his contract.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager will bow out of the Premier League as one of the greatest to ever do it – if not the greatest, following his exploits of winning 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles and an historic treble in his 10-year stay at Manchester.

Many had concluded that leading City to the FA Cup on Saturday, as they beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley, was his last dance with the Blues; however, with no official confirmation, either from City or the 55-year-old manager, everyone had to play the wait game for the very obvious news.

The wait is finally over, with an official confirmation bringing an end to months of speculation. One of football’s great touchline conductors prepares to walk away from the Premier League after a historic era.

And in a statement on the website, he said: “When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, ‘Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun,” Guardiola said.

“And what a time we have had together. 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.

“This is a city built from work. From graft. You see it in the colour of the bricks. From people who clocked in early, stayed late. The factories. The Pankhursts. The unions.

“The music. Simply the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. And I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did too.

“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way.

“Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League, and you were there. Trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too.

“Remember, the Manchester Arena attack, when this city showed the world what strength actually looks like? Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community. Togetherness. A city united.

"What a time we have had together." 🩵 pic.twitter.com/WpkFecBYT4
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 22, 2026

“Remember, losing my mum during COVID and feeling this club carry me through it. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most. Cris, my kids, my whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon, you were there too.

“Players don’t forget – every single instant, moment, me, my staff, this club, everything. 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.

“So as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for loving me.

“Tony Walsh said in his unforgettable poem this is the place. I’m sorry, Tony: this is my place.

“Noel…I was right. “It has been so f****** fun. Love you all.”

“Guardiola’s arrival at City has turned them into the dominant force in English football.

“Man City managed to hold off some incredible Liverpool and Arsenal teams to claim titles glory.

“And as a result, the new North Stand at the Etihad will be named after Guardiola, His Highness Sheikh Mansour added.