Pep Guardiola says Manchester City require “fresh energy” as he prepares to bring his remarkable 10-year spell as manager to an end.
The club announced that the 55-year-old will take charge of his final match on Sunday when City host Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
Since arriving at City a decade ago, Guardiola has guided the club to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a historic Champions League triumph.
To celebrate his achievements, City’s newly expanded North Stand will be named in his honour and officially opened during the season finale against Europa League champions Villa.
The club will also build a statue of Guardiola, which will stand near the entrance to the renamed stand.
Revealed earlier this week that City had already begun preparing for Guardiola’s departure before the final year of his contract.
Speaking during his farewell pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola explained that he felt it was the right moment for change.
“Ten years is a long time and I believe the club needs a different voice, fresh energy and a new chapter with these incredible players,” he said.
He admitted he no longer felt he would have the energy needed to maintain the relentless demands of competing for titles every few days.
“After a decade, it’s healthy to refresh things, to see new faces. I think it will be good for everyone,” Guardiola added.
The Spaniard also insisted that if he still believed he was the right person for the role, he would have remained at the club.
Guardiola informed his players of his decision on Friday morning, although he joked that his speech to the squad “was a disaster” because of how nervous he felt.
In a farewell video released by the club, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach reflected emotionally on his journey with City.
“Nothing lasts forever. If it did, I would still be here,” Guardiola said. “But the feelings, the people, the memories and the love I have for Manchester City will always remain.”
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant at City, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him.
Confirmation of Guardiola’s departure arrived only days after City lost the Premier League title to Arsenal following a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, which crowned the Gunners champions for the first time since 2004.
Guardiola is set to leave City after winning both the FA Cup and League Cup in his final season at the club.
He also revealed he plans to step away from coaching for a period, while taking on a global ambassador role in the City Football Group and providing technical guidance to its clubs around the world.
