The Catalan will take charge of his final match as City boss when we face Aston Villa on Sunday at 16:00 (UK) on what is certain to be an emotional occasion.
Having won 20 major trophies to become the most successful manager in the Club’s history, Guardiola said that he felt it was the right time to step aside.
When asked how he feels about his decision at his final pre-match news conference, he said: “Yeah, really satisfied, I don’t know the right words. Satisfied, happy, proud.
“It’s been the experience of my life I would say, otherwise I would not be here 10 years.
“I could not be more grateful for the amount of love and affection I’ve known not just in these days but for many years.”
City announced that the newly-developed and expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be named ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’ and will be fully open for the first time for his final game in charge.
Guardiola said that the Club respected his decision as he explained why this was the right moment to step down.
Get your tickets for City v Aston Villa this Sunday
“It’s the time,” he added. “I didn’t wake up one day and say now is the time to leave. It’s a process I felt for a while.
“The club respect me unbelievably for the decision, they have to of course be ready and I felt it.
“This job is every few days for many years, Selhurst Park, Anfield, Madrid, FA Cup. Now I have to live my life and see what happens.
“And 10 years is a lot of time and I think the club needs a new manager and new energy with these incredible players we have now, they’ll start to write another chapter.”
Pep initially arrived on a three-year contract but has remained for a decade with a remarkable trophy haul.
He said he didn’t expect to stay this long but is proud to have been at the Etihad for so long.
Asked how long he thought he would stay, Guardiola said: “Not 10 years!
“I came for three years and said we will see what happens. The rest is history.
“We continued because we were comfortable, both parts the club and myself.
“It helped a lot that Txiki [Begiristain] was here, Ferran [Soriano] was here, we met each other. They are incredibly protective.
“Of course the titles help you continue but this support helps you win the titles and continue. It’s so important.”
Join us at Co-Op Live for the ‘After Party’
To mark the achievements of Manchester City men’s, women’s and academy teams during the 25/26 season, we can confirm that an open top bus parade will take place on Monday 25th May, followed by ‘The After Party’ a special celebration event at Co-op Live.
Event Information
Date: Monday 25 May
Doors Open: 15:00 (UK)
Parade Show begins: 16:00 (UK)
Final Entry: 17:00 (UK)
Player Arrival at Co-op Live: 18:30 (UK)
Event Closes: 20:00 (UK)
