Pep Guardiola shares heartfelt message as he confirms leaving Man City and accepts his next job.
Pep Guardiola will step down as Manchester City’s manager at the end of the 2025-26 season, but he won’t be leaving the City Football Group altogether.
The past 10 years in Manchester have been unforgettable for Guardiola. He’s led City to six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and a Champions League – a truly amazing run.
His final game as manager will be against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, where he’ll no doubt get an emotional send-off from the Etihad crowd.
In fact, City announced on Friday that the newly-expanded North Stand at the Etihad will be named ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand,’ and a statue of him will be placed nearby as a tribute.
About his decision to leave, Guardiola said, “Don’t ask me why I’m leaving. There isn’t a specific reason, but deep down, I know it’s my time. Nothing lasts forever. If it did, I’d still be here. What will last forever are the feelings, the people, the memories, and the love I have for Manchester City.”
City also revealed that Guardiola will take on a new role as a global ambassador. In this position, he’ll offer technical advice to other clubs within the City Football Group, working on special projects with teams like Italian club Palermo and French side Troyes, who recently moved up to Ligue 1.
In a heartfelt message on the club’s website, Guardiola shared memories of his time at City.
“When I first arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I thought, ‘Okay… Noel’s here? This will be fun,’” he said.
“And what a journey it’s been together. Nothing lasts forever, but the love, the people, the memories will always be here.
“Manchester is a city built on hard work. You can see it in the bricks, the factories, the people who worked long hours. The history, the unions, the music, the Industrial Revolution – it all changed the world. I came to understand that, and so did my teams.
“We worked hard. We fought. And we did it our way.
“Hard work comes in many forms – like those trips to Bournemouth when we lost the Premier League, or to Istanbul, moments you were there for too.
“Remember the Manchester Arena attack? This city showed the world true strength—not anger or fear, but love, community, and togetherness.
“During COVID, I lost my mum, and this club helped carry me through. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester gave me strength when I needed it most. My family was always there too, and so was Khaldoon.
“Players don’t forget any moment. Everything we’ve done has been for you, and you’ve been amazing. You’re leaving a legacy even if you don’t realize it yet.
“So as my time here ends, be happy. Oasis is back again. Thank you for trusting me, pushing me, and loving me. Tony Walsh said in his poem ‘This is the place.’ Sorry Tony, but this is my place.
“Noel… I was right. It’s been so much fun. Love you all.”