Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of this summer, the club has officially announced.

The Catalan manager, who was under contract until the summer of 2027, has chosen to conclude his tenure at the Etihad Stadium a year earlier than planned.

This decision marks the end of a remarkable 10-year era during which Guardiola guided the club to an extraordinary 20 trophies.

Manchester City confirmed Guardiola’s impending departure after a decade that has reshaped the identity and standards of English football since his arrival in 2016.

Over ten seasons, the 55-year-old transformed City into one of the most dominant sides in world football, securing six Premier League titles—including the record-breaking 100-point ‘Centurions’ season and a domestic quadruple—and culminating with the historic 2022–23 European treble. His teams also achieved an unmatched run of four consecutive Premier League championships.

Guardiola’s tactical innovations—such as the use of inverted full-backs, ball-playing goalkeepers, and fluid false-nines—while maintaining his core philosophy of possession-based football, revolutionised the sport and set new tactical benchmarks globally.

Beyond the silverware, Guardiola’s lasting influence is reflected in the cultural and structural identity he instilled within Manchester City, establishing a legacy that will continue to shape the club’s ethos in the coming years.

Before his farewell press conference on Friday afternoon, Manchester City confirmed that Guardiola’s final match in charge will be the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday, marking the conclusion of the 2025–26 season.

“When I first arrived, my initial interview was with Noel Gallagher. I remember thinking, ‘Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun,’” Guardiola recalled.

“And what a journey it has been. Don’t ask me why I’m leaving—there’s no specific reason. Deep down, I just feel it’s my time. Nothing lasts forever. If it did, I’d still be here. What remains eternal are the emotions, the people, the memories, and the love I feel for Manchester City.”

“This is a city built on hard work. You can see it in the bricks, in the people who worked long hours in the factories. From the Pankhursts to the unions, to the music—it’s all part of the story.”

“The Industrial Revolution started here and changed the world. I came to understand that spirit, and so did my teams. We worked, endured, fought, and always did things our way.”

“Hard work comes in many forms. Whether it was trips to Bournemouth after losing the league or Istanbul when we lifted the Champions League—you were there. Remember the Manchester Arena tragedy, when this city showed what true strength looks like—not anger or fear, but love, unity, and community.”

“I’ll never forget losing my mother during COVID and how this club carried me through those dark days. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester—you all gave me strength. My family, Cris, my children, and Khaldoon (Al Mubarak)—you were always there.”

“Every player, every moment, every memory—we did all of it for you. You’ve all been extraordinary. You might not realise it yet, but you’re leaving behind a legacy. So as my chapter closes, be happy. Oasis are back again.”

“To everyone—thank you for believing in me, for challenging me, for loving me. Tony Walsh once said in his unforgettable poem, ‘This is the place.’ I’m sorry, Tony—this is my place. Noel, you were right—it’s been unbelievably fun. Love you all.”

Although Guardiola’s time as manager is ending, Manchester City confirmed that he will continue his association with the club as a Global Ambassador for the City Football Group.

In this new role, he will provide technical guidance and collaborate on strategic projects with the various clubs within the group, ensuring his influence continues to benefit Manchester City in the future.

Guardiola will receive a grand farewell on Sunday alongside departing players Bernardo Silva and John Stones when Manchester City host Aston Villa in their final Premier League fixture of the season.