The news no one at Manchester City wanted to hear is made official as Pep Guardiola’s departure is confirmed | OneFootball

All week, the news of Pep Guardiola’s impending departure has hung over Manchester City. Oliver Holt broke the story for the Daily Mail on Monday night that the 2025-26 season would be Guardiola’s last as City manager. From that point onwards, this week has been a waiting game for Pep Guardiola’s departure to be made official. That news has now arrived. This Sunday’s final Premier League match of the 2025-26 season between Manchester City and Aston Villa will be Pep Guardiola’s final game as City manager.

Manchester City have confirmed that Pep Guardiola will step down as City manager.

In news that hasn’t come as a surprise, Manchester City, and Pep Guardiola have confirmed that Guardiola will manage his final game for the club against Aston Villa this Sunday. An official release on mancity.com has confirmed the news that no one associated with City wanted to hear. Pep Guardiola’s statement can be seen below.

Also it was announced that Pep Guardiola will continue to work with the City Football Group. Guardiola will become a global ambassador which will see him continue to spread his wealth of knowledge across the clubs in the group.

Sunday will be a sad and special occasion at the Etihad as Pep Guardiola takes charge of City for one last match.

The news that Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City, while not unexpected, is still sad to see finally confirmed. As long as the official confirmation hadn’t arrived, there was always hope that Pep Guardiola could change his mind and see out the final year of his contract. But that was not to be. Guardiola will step away from the club he turned into a powerhouse of English football. Under Guardiola, City have won six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and every other major trophy in between. They did it playing a style of football that was Pep Guardiola’s specialty, and along the way they set a host of records that may never be broken.

Sunday’s match between Manchester City and Aston Villa will be a special occasion at the Etihad Stadium. It is a time for City fans to farewell three club legends. Bernardo Silva and John Stones will play their final games with the club. Pep Guardiola will also say goodbye to a club he taken to the top of the mountain. Come the final whistle it will be time to say thank you to all three club icons. Monday’s parade and following event at Co-op Live will also be memorable occasions.

It is hard to think of a fitting tribute for Pep Guardiola and all he has done for Manchester City. The new Northern Stand will likely be named in his honour. Also, Monday’s parade and after event to celebrate the achievements of City’s men’s, woman’s and youth teams this season is fitting. However, nothing will ever be enough to pay tribute to a manager who changed English football and City in the process.