Guardiola will leave the club this summer after a trophy-laden decade in Manchester
Bookmark popover
Pep Guardiola won 20 trophies as manager of Manchester Cityopen image in gallery
Pep Guardiola won 20 trophies as manager of Manchester City (PA)
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Manchester City will rename the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium after Pep Guardiola as a tribute to the departing manager.
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak rang Guardiola on Friday morning to inform the Catalan the club wanted to honour him by dedicating the expanded North Stand to him as well as building a statue of him.
And Sheikh Mansour said Guardiola had left his imprint on City in his reign, in which he won 20 trophies, including six Premier Leagues and City’s first Champions League.
The 55-year-old will stand down after a decade in charge having become the most successful manager in City’s history.
“I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field,” Sheikh Mansour said. “For ten years Pep has been the personification of that ambition. He has made an indelible imprint on the DNA of the club. One that is borne more from how he won than from the many trophies he lifted.
“He has the unending gratitude of myself and the entire City family, a family of which he will always be part.”
City have expanded the North Stand, adding over 7,000 new seats, with the top tier open for the first time for Sunday’s match against Aston Villa, Guardiola’s last in charge.
One of the Etihad Stadium stands will bear Pep Guardiola's nameopen image in gallery
One of the Etihad Stadium stands will bear Pep Guardiola's name (Getty)
Al Mubarak added: “The Pep Guardiola Stand, and the statue that will sit outside it, rightly ensure that Pep's legacy will remain forever woven into the fabric of this football club, the city of Manchester and English football.
“The unique relationship that he has with our fans has been earned through the honesty and passion of his ten seasons fighting to bring them success. The Pep Guardiola Stand is a fitting and permanent reminder of that relationship, the most successful period in our club's history, and the unique football genius at its heart.”
Chief executive Ferran Soriano added: “It is wholly appropriate that the occasion of Pep’s final game as Manchester City manager will also be the afternoon that the wonderful new Pep Guardiola Stand of the Etihad Stadium will hold 7,000 more City fans for the very first time.
“Sunday will be an opportunity for everyone to celebrate his achievements. Sheikh Mansour’s permanent marking of Pep’s incredible legacy will give City fans the opportunity to acknowledge Pep’s legend every single time they visit our stadium.”