The Catalan arrived in July 2016 and departs having won 20 major trophies – more than any manager in City’s history.
His record speaks for itself. Six Premier League titles, one Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups, a Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup. The 100-point 2017-18 season remains the greatest in Premier League history.
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The 2022-23 treble is considered the greatest in City’s 132-year existence. In 2023-24 he made City the first club in English football history to win four consecutive top-flight titles.
In a heartfelt farewell statement, Guardiola reflected on a decade that went far beyond football.
“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way,” he said. “Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.”
He will not sever ties with the club entirely. Guardiola will take up a role as Global Ambassador for the City Football Group, providing technical advice across their network of clubs worldwide.
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Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak described Guardiola’s departure as the right decision at the right time.
“Nobody would have believed, ten years ago, that we could win 20 trophies in this decade,” CEO Ferran Soriano added. “It was unthinkable – and yet it was done.”
Guardiola takes charge of his final game against Aston Villa on Sunday. Enzo Maresca has been confirmed as his successor.
Photo: REUTERS/Chris Radburn
