Ibyimana Cofi
Legendary football coach Pep Guardiola, aged 55, has announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season, bringing to a close an extraordinary 10-year spell that transformed the history of England and European football.
Although the Spanish coach was under contract until the summer of 2027, both parties agreed to terminate the deal by mutual consent. In a video shared on Manchester City’s social media platforms, Guardiola thanked the fans, saying: “Thank you for trusting me, pushing me, and loving me… it has been an incredible journey. I love you all.”
During his decade at the Etihad Stadium (2016–2026), Guardiola built an exceptional legacy, winning 20 trophies with the club. These include six Premier League titles, four of them won consecutively between 2021 and 2024 an unprecedented achievement in English football.
His trophy haul also features the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 2023, along with several other honors, including the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
In his final season, although Manchester City failed to win the Premier League title, Guardiola leaves having secured two trophies for the club: the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. His final match at the Etihad Stadium is expected to be a league fixture against Aston Villa, where fans and club officials are expected to give him a formal farewell.
After stepping down from coaching, Manchester City has announced that Guardiola will take on a prestigious new role as Global Ambassador for City Football Group.
As Guardiola departs, reports suggest that Italian coach Enzo Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant before managing Leicester City and Chelsea, is expected to replace him. Maresca has reportedly already begun working with Manchester City’s leadership on long-term planning aimed at preserving Guardiola’s footballing philosophy and winning culture.
RUSAGARA MUVUNANKIKO Valens
