Pep Guardiola reacts to Manchester City departure confirmation ahead of Aston Villa finale

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will take charge of his final game for the Blues against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.

Guardiola has confirmed he is bringing the curtain down on his time in Manchester this summer, opting against seeing out the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

The 55-year-old leaves Manchester City as the club’s greatest-ever manager and one of the best coaches in the modern football era, having led the Blues to six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League and a historic treble amongst a plethora of silverware.

Speaking in his final pre-match press conference in charge of Manchester City, the Catalan reflected on the confirmation of his upcoming departure from the Etihad Stadium.

Ten years is a lot of time, says Pep on Man City exit

Guardiola said: “I’m really satisfied, happy, and proud! It has been the experience of my life. I cannot be more grateful for the amount of love, and affection for many, many years!

“Ten years is a lot of time and I think the club needs a new manager, new energy, with these incredible players that we have right now, and start to write another chapter.

“I want to say a proper goodbye to my people on Sunday; I want to hug them, all of them, on the pitch. And that’s why we announced (the exit now).”

What is next for Guardiola after Man City exit?

Guardiola will be taking on a Global Ambassador role within the City Football Group upon his departure from the Etihad Stadium, giving technical advice to the clubs in the CFG umbrella, working on specific projects and collaborations.

Asked what is next for him, the Catalan added: “Rest! No plans to train for a while. Otherwise I would be here! I need to step back, I will not train for a while.

“I said I’d love to continue to be part of this club, not as a manager. I will take absolutely zero decisions in that, it’s just to be a part of the club, if they need me to represent or do something in many, many clubs that this organisation has, I will be there!”

Pep admits he is running out of energy

Guardiola was probed on whether akin to Jurgen Klopp‘s departure from Liverpool in 2024, he is calling time on his time at the club because he is running out of energy.

“Absolutely, absolutely – what is the reason (for leaving)? It’s the time, it’s 10 years,” the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager said.

“I’m leaving Man City with a sense of incredible peace in my soul that I gave everything to this club, putting it in a better position, and the people enjoyed what we have done in these 10 years.”

Alongside Bernardo Silva and John Stones, Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa will see Manchester City fans bid an emotional farewell to Guardiola.