Manchester City have appointed Pep Guardiola as a Global Ambassador for the City Football Group following confirmation that he will step down as the club’s manager at the end of the season.
The Premier League club announced the development on Friday ahead of Guardiola’s final game in charge against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Guardiola activated a break clause in his contract to leave one year before its expiration, ending a historic 10-year managerial spell at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite leaving the dugout, the Spaniard will remain within the City Football Group structure in a newly-created ambassadorial role.
According to Manchester City, Guardiola will provide technical advice to clubs within the CFG network, oversee specific projects and guide future collaborations across the organisation.
The move ensures Guardiola maintains ties with the club where he won 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and Manchester City’s first UEFA Champions League crown.
To honour his achievements, Manchester City also confirmed that the expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium has been renamed “The Pep Guardiola Stand.”
A permanent statue of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach will also be erected outside the stadium.
The redeveloped stand forms part of a wider entertainment district project around the Etihad Campus, including a hotel, museum, retail outlets and a fan zone.
Former Chelsea manager and Guardiola’s former assistant, Enzo Maresca, is widely expected to succeed him as Manchester City manager.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Guardiola said his decision to leave was based on personal conviction rather than any external issue.
He said: “Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time.
“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.”
Guardiola also described Manchester as a city built on hard work and unity.
He said: “This is a city built from work. From graft. You see it in the colour of the bricks.
“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way.”
The 55-year-old also recalled emotional moments during his decade-long stay, including the Manchester Arena attack and the death of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said: “Remember, the Manchester Arena attack, when this city showed the world what strength actually looks like? Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community. Togetherness. A city united.”
“Remember, losing my mum during COVID and feeling this club carry me through it.
“The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most.”
Guardiola thanked the supporters, players and club hierarchy for their trust throughout his tenure.
He said: “What we have done, we have done it for all of you. And you have been just exceptional.”
He concluded his farewell message by telling supporters: “It has been so f****** fun.
“Love you all.”
