Man City head coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he will leave the club this summer, bringing an end to several years of competing with Liverpool in the Premier League
11:20, 22 May 2026Updated 11:31, 22 May 2026
Pep Guardiola is leaving Man City.
Pep Guardiola is leaving Man City.(Image: David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he will leave Manchester City after this weekend's game against Aston Villa, bringing a close to 10 years in the Premier League.
Over the years, Guardiola has gone head-to-head with Liverpool most often. Initially under Jurgen Klopp and then Arne Slot, the Catalan was a major rival for a number of seasons where each was driven to new levels as a result of the other.
Guardiola often spoke of Liverpool being his hardest competitor, though Arsenal has pipped Manchester City to the league title this time around. He has won both domestic cups in his final campaign in charge.
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News broke earlier in the week that Guardiola would be departing, though it was not confirmed at the time. Now, his decision has been made public.
"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.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola and Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola and Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
"This is a city built from work. From graft. You see it in the color 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.
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"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.
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"Noel…I was right. It has been so f-----g fun. Love you all."