Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that he will never take charge of another club team, but did leave the door open to a career in international football.
The trophy-laden Catalan coach only penned a new contract at City in November, committing his future to the reigning Premier League champions for at least two more years.
Despite the ongoing trial over City's charges for financial breaches, Guardiola will remain at the Etihad even in the event of relegation. Now, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach has confirmed that no other club side will benefit from his revered managerial skills.
"I'm not going to manage another team," Guardiola told Andalusian chef Dani Garcia in an interview on YouTube this week. "I'm not talking about the long-term future, but what I'm not going to do is leave Manchester City, go to another country, and do the same thing as now.
"I wouldn't have the energy. The thought of starting somewhere else, all the process of training and so on. No, no, no."
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has been linked with the Brazil manager's job / Ryan Pierse/GettyImages
However, Guardiola isn't planning on retiring from football entirely just yet. "Maybe a national team," the Spaniard suggested, "but that's different.
"I want to leave it and go and play golf, but I can't [if he takes a club job]. I think stopping would do me good."
Guardiola has been heavily linked with several international roles. Before settling on Thomas Tuchel, England were thought to be very interested in recruiting the City boss. Guardiola could still theoretically take charge of the Three Lions as Tuchel's deal expires after the 2026 World Cup.
Before the proud Catalan extended his City contract until 2027, Brazil were the frontrunners for his signature. The out-of-sorts South American giants were reportedly engaging in 'secret discussions' with Guardiola, but ultimately missed out on another high-profile target following a snub from Carlo Ancelotti.
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