Pep Guardiola to Leave Manchester City as Enzo Maresca Agrees Three-Year Deal. Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, ending a legendary 10-year spell at the club. The club and manager have confirmed that their historic partnership will finish after another remarkable chapter in English football. Guardiola arrived at City in 2016 and changed the club’s footballing identity with his attacking and possession-based style.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola won 20 trophies and built one of football’s most dominant teams. His achievements included multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the club’s long-awaited Champions League triumph. City also completed a famous treble under Guardiola, which became one of the greatest moments in the club’s history.
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Guardiola’s Emotional Farewell Message
The Spanish manager gave an emotional message to leave Manchester City. “Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving,” Guardiola said. “There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time,” he added. Guardiola also said nothing lasts forever, but his love for Manchester City will remain.
“Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, and the love I have for Manchester City,” he said. He thanked the supporters for trusting him, pushing him, and loving him during his long journey at the club. Guardiola also reflected on City’s unique path under his leadership. “We worked, we suffered, we fought, and we did things our own way,” he said.
City to Honour Guardiola With Statue and Stand
Manchester City will honour Guardiola by building a statue outside the Etihad Stadium. The statue will feature on the approach to the newly expanded North Stand. That stand will also be named “The Pep Guardiola Stand” as a permanent tribute to his legacy. The tribute shows Guardiola’s huge influence on Manchester City’s modern identity and global success. His statue will stand as a reminder of the trophies, memories, and footballing standards he created. City supporters will now have a permanent symbol of the club’s greatest managerial era.
Maresca Set to Replace Guardiola
Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca is set to become Manchester City’s next manager. The Italian coach has reached a total verbal agreement with City, and the deal is now in place. Maresca will sign an initial three-year contract and is expected to be announced soon. He has always been viewed as an ideal candidate to replace Guardiola at Manchester City. Maresca previously worked within City’s system and clearly understands the club’s footballing philosophy. His appointment would allow the City to maintain a similar tactical identity after Guardiola’s departure.
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Hansi Flick Praises Guardiola’s Legacy
Hansi Flick also praised Guardiola, calling him the best coach in the world. Flick said Guardiola proved his greatness year after year with exceptional work and tactical solutions. He also said Guardiola’s teams always played at the highest level and stayed ahead of competitors. Flick wished Guardiola rest before a possible return to management in the future. He also joked about his own Barcelona future, saying fans would not see him there at 70. Flick added that no Barcelona player had asked him to leave the club so far.