The Catalan mastermind, who arrived at the Etihad Stadium in July 2016, leaves behind a glittering legacy after guiding City to an astonishing 20 major trophies and becoming the most successful manager in the club’s history.

Although Guardiola will no longer patrol the touchline, his journey with the City Football Group is far from over. He will remain involved as a Global Ambassador, offering technical guidance to clubs within the group while working on special football projects and collaborations.

In a deeply emotional farewell message, Guardiola reflected on his remarkable time in Manchester and the bond he built with the city and its people.

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

The 55-year-old said there was no dramatic reason behind his decision to leave, admitting he simply felt “deep inside” that the time was right.

Pep Guardiola - MCFC

He paid tribute to the working-class spirit of Manchester, describing it as a city built on “graft, togetherness and love”, while also recalling difficult moments such as the Manchester Arena tragedy and losing his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way,” Guardiola said.

“What we have done, we have done for all of you.”

Pep Guaridola after winning the UEFA Champions League - X

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak described Guardiola’s departure as the end of a transformational era.

“Pep has not only made Manchester City better – he has made football better,” Al Mubarak said.

Chief executive officer Ferran Soriano echoed those sentiments, calling Guardiola “a City legend forever” and praising the Spaniard’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

Guardiola’s achievements at City are staggering. He won six Premier League titles, including an unprecedented four in a row, one UEFA Champions League crown, three FA Cups, five League Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup and numerous other honours.

Pep Guardiola after one of the numberous Premiership title won under his guard - X

His revolutionary 2017/18 side rewrote the Premier League record books by collecting 100 points, scoring 106 goals and finishing 19 points clear at the top of the table.

The crowning moment arrived in the 2022/23 season when City completed a historic Treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League — only the second English club ever to achieve the feat.

Beyond the trophies, Guardiola’s influence changed the style and identity of English football. His attacking philosophy and tactical innovation inspired coaches throughout the country and elevated City into a global football powerhouse.

Fittingly, Guardiola’s final match in charge will be his 593rd game as City manager when the club faces Aston Villa on Sunday. Kick-off at the Etihad is a 17:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport