Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is leaving the Etihad but will not be saying goodbye to the City Football Group
Pep Guardiola in Palermo
Pep Guardiola in Palermo
View Image
Pep Guardiola is leaving Manchester City but will not be saying goodbye to the City Football Group (CFG). As he steps down as manager at the Etihad, the Catalan has agreed to be a global ambassador for the network of teams across the globe controlled by City's owners.
Guardiola will be able to give technical advice to clubs such as Palermo, Lommel, and Troyes and will be "working on specific projects and collaborations" with the group. The legendary coach has previously spoken of wanting to experience international management and there are major tournaments coming up in England in 2028 and Spain in 2030 that could appeal, but his first job after leaving City will be to remain with CFG.
“We have been privileged to work alongside Pep Guardiola for ten years. We have witnessed his greatness and dedication, but also enjoyed his companionship, his friendship and humanity," said CEO Ferran Soriano. "What a privilege it has been for so many of us at Manchester City.
“Pep’s legacy is extraordinary and its true impact will be better assessed by Manchester City historians of the future. He contributed decisively to our journey to global excellence and his high standards will be a reference for our players and managers of the future.
“If there is something more difficult than winning, it is winning again. It requires incredible persistence, resilience and the humility to start again every year, with the same energy, again and again. This is what Pep did. Nobody would have believed, ten years ago, that we could win 20 trophies in this decade, playing entertaining football of such high quality. It was unthinkable... and yet it was done.
"As we celebrate the past, we are also very happy to know that Pep will stay with the group and we will be able to use his knowledge and experience in so many of our other clubs to help managers and players. We will forever be grateful to Pep and cherish so many unforgettable memories. He is a City legend... forever.”