Friend of Pep Guardiola reveals why Manchester City boss split from wife Cristina Serra | OneFootball

The reasons behind the split between Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra have been revealed by an unnamed friend of the Catalan tactician.

It was reported in various Spanish newspapers earlier this week that after 30 years together, the Manchester City head coach and his wife had decided to separate in a decision that was made over the holiday period.

Pep Guardiola has often referred to his wife and their close relationship during City press conferences, once admitting that he would stay awake in the early hours of the morning while she was asleep to watch basketball legend Michael Jordan in action in the 1990s.

Cristina Serra has also been credited by Guardiola for his touchline wardrobe whilst in charge of Manchester City over the years, as the 53-year-old labelled her as “the best in the world at many things, especially fashion”.

Guardiola said reporters last January of his wife’s input, “She says normally to me, don’t wear this or wear that, so I follow. I’m smart enough to know when people are much better than me, follow their advice.”

However, it appears as though the Manchester City manager’s relentless commitment to his passion and work at the Etihad Stadium has taken its toll on his marriage.

Speaking to MailOnline this week, an unnamed friend of Pep Guardiola revealed that the Catalan coach’s marriage has ended as ‘he is a total workaholic’ and it ‘took a toll’ on his relationship with his wife, Cristina Serra.

The friend, who is said to be ‘close’ to Pep Guardiola and did not want to be named, told the newspaper, “I think they have grown apart. She left Manchester about five years ago to return to Barcelona. That has taken its toll.”

The friend continued, “He is a total workaholic and not being involved in their family fashion business together may have affected their relationship too.”

Media reports concerning Pep Guardiola’s private life had filtered into the public eye over the week too, with one newspaper on the ground at Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Brentford in west London capturing the moment one onlooker hit out at the Catalan.

“How’s the Mrs, Pep?!” yelled one supporter outside the Gtech Community Stadium as Pep Guardiola arrived alongside the Manchester City travelling party for their Premier League clash with Thomas Frank’s squad.

Guardiola did not react and remained unmoved by the comments, although many on social media have since commented on the interaction with responses such as, “Grim”, “Low blow”, and, “This was very unnecessary”.

Manchester City will return to action against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday afternoon, while Pep Guardiola will engage in media commitments for the first time since the 2-2 draw with Brentford during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.