Pep Guardiola says Manchester City need “new energy” as he brought an end to his 10-year reign as manager.
The club confirmed the 55-year-old’s final game in charge will be against Aston Villa on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola has led City to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, since he arrived a decade ago.
In honour of his impact, City’s newly developed north stand will be named after him and fully open for the first time in the club’s final game of the season against Europa League winners Villa.
A statue will also be built for Guardiola and positioned on the approach to the stand.
BBC Sport reported on Monday how City were preparing for Guardiola’s departure a year before the end of his contract.
“Ten years is a lot of time and I think the club needs a new manager, new energy, these incredible players we have right now and start to write another chapter,” he said on Friday during his final pre-match press conference.
“I feel I would not have the energy [in the future] required to daily, every three days, to fight for the title, being in front of the players.
“After 10 years, it is good to shake, to move, different faces – it’s really good for everyone.
“If I did not believe that, if they don’t sack me, I would stay here. But I think it is the perfect moment, perfect time.”
Guardiola shared his decision with his squad on Friday morning, but added his speech “was a disaster”.
“I was so nervous, more than ever,” he admitted.
During the video announcement of his departure published earlier on Friday, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss 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.”
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who worked under Guardiola at City, is the frontrunner to replace him.
The confirmation of Guardiola’s exit comes three days after the club were beaten to the 2025-26 Premier League title by Arsenal.
A 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday meant the Gunners were crowned champions for the first time since 2004.
Guardiola will leave having led City to the FA Cup and League Cup in his final campaign.
He confirmed he will take a break from coaching, but that he will begin a global ambassadorial role with the City Football Group (CFG) and offer technical advice to its member clubs.
