Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed his decision on his Manchester City future after he led the team to their seventh Premier League title.
In a media parley with the Sky Sports commentary team at the Etihad after the title-deciding final-day clash against West Ham, an exuberant Guardiola said he is closer to leaving Manchester City than staying.
“The reality is that I am closer to leaving than staying,” he said.
While the Spaniard is pointing towards an abrupt end to his campaign with the Cityzens, he however gave his assurances that he will continue as the club’s manager next season.
“We have talked with the club – my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years – we will see,” he added.
In 2022, Guardiola penned a new two-year contract with Manchester City to continue in the Cityzen’s dugout until 2025.
However, it was understood the new contract was structured as individual one-year terms; meaning either of the two parties could choose to part ways after one year into the agreement if they deem fit.
The controversial contract agreement inevitably birthed speculations and uncertainties over Guardiola’s Manchester City future.
The Spaniard could have chosen to end his spell with the club at the end of the just-concluded 2023/24 campaign if he seems fit.
Now, he has cleared the air on his future, admitting he is ready to stay for one next season but could leave soon.
After next season, Manchester City will have to renew Guardiola’s contract again if they want to retain him as manager but it appears the Spaniard is more likely to call time on his nine-year stint with Manchester City after then.
Guardiola has overseen the incredible rise of Manchester City to a Premier League and European giant. He led the team to their first Champions League trophy last season, including a history-making treble.
He is the first manager to win the Premier League four times in a row with the club and has won the English top-flight six times in his last seven seasons.
