Pep Guardiola has officially confirmed he will step down as Manchester City manager following this weekend’s season finale against Aston Villa. Despite having one year remaining on his contract, the Catalan icon is calling time on a historic, trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium.
The bombshell announcement comes directly after City’s agonizing midweek slip-up against Bournemouth mathematically handed the Premier League title to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Defensive frailties ultimately derailed the Sky Blues’ late-season charge, forcing them to settle for a domestic cup double instead of a league defense.
While the 55-year-old manager admitted he needs to step away from coaching to recharge his declining energy levels, he will not cut ties with the club completely. City officials announced that Guardiola has agreed to transition into a prominent Global Ambassador role within the City Football Group.
As a permanent tribute to his unparalleled legacy of 20 major trophies, the club will also rename the Etihad’s newly extended North Stand in his honor. Former assistant Enzo Maresca has already emerged as the heavy favorite to succeed him ahead of a massive summer rebuild.
