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Pep Guardiola to Step Down as Manchester City Manager After Transformative Era

Manchester City have confirmed that manager Pep Guardiola will step down from his role this summer, bringing an end to a historic decade in charge of the club.

Guardiola, who arrived at the Etihad in July 2016, departs as the most successful manager in Manchester City’s history, having won 20 major trophies during his tenure.

His achievements include six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League triumph, multiple FA Cups and League Cups, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, cementing one of the most dominant managerial reigns in English football history.

Despite stepping down as first-team manager, City have confirmed that Guardiola will remain within the City Football Group as a Global Ambassador. In this role, he will provide technical input, support club projects, and contribute to development across affiliated teams worldwide.

In an emotional farewell message, Guardiola reflected on his journey at the club, describing his time in Manchester as deeply personal and transformative.

He said there was “no single reason” for his departure, adding that he simply felt it was the right time to move on, while expressing gratitude to the club, the fans, and the city.

Guardiola also paid tribute to Manchester, describing it as a city built on hard work, resilience, and unity, referencing moments such as the Manchester Arena attack and personal challenges he experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Club officials have also hailed his impact, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak describing his tenure as a partnership built on trust, success, and continuous evolution, while CEO Ferran Soriano praised Guardiola for redefining standards in modern football.

During his time in charge, Guardiola broke multiple records, including becoming the first manager to guide a Premier League team to 100 points in a single season, as well as leading Manchester City to a historic treble in the 2022/23 campaign.

He also delivered unprecedented domestic dominance, including four consecutive Premier League titles, a feat never previously achieved in English football.

Guardiola will take charge of his final game against Aston Villa, bringing an end to what is widely regarded as one of the most successful managerial eras in football history.

The club has confirmed plans to honour his legacy in the coming days, describing him as a “transformative figure” who will remain part of the Manchester City family.

Reports have also linked former assistant coach Enzo Maresca as a possible replacement for the City manager, with discussions expected to continue as the club evaluates its next long-term appointment.

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