(Video) Pep Guardiola's emotional farewell speech to Manchester City squad surfaces

An emotional behind the scenes farewell address delivered by Pep Guardiola to the Manchester City squad has surfaced documenting the exact moment the Spanish tactician informed his players he was stepping down at the end of the 2025 /26 campaign following a trophy laden decade in charge.

Read Also: Manchester City: major revelations on Pep Guardiola's departure

Emotional farewell at the Etihad

According to reports published by Sky Sports, the Daily Star and The Touchline, Guardiola broke into tears while addressing the dressing room shortly before Manchester City's final fixture of the Premier League season.

Wanting his players to hear the decision directly before a club statement went live, Guardiola explained the physical and mental toll of sustaining dominance at the highest level.

"Guys... I will speak quickly. Sunday's match will be my last as manager of this club and the reason is simple" Guardiola told his squad.

"Going to Selhurst Park, Anfield, the FA Cup and Madrid, Madrid, Madrid... to manage amazing players like you, I have to have what I used to have, the energy. But deep inside, I know I don't have it anymore. I leave feeling grateful and so happy for all of you. In a few minutes, our fans will know of my departure. Before that news is out, you deserved to be the first to hear it. I need hugs and kisses, don't forget that"

Following Guardiola's departure at the Etihad, Manchester City swiftly moved to begin a new chapter by appointing Italian tactician Enzo Maresca as their new head coach.

With Guardiola’s historic 10 year reign concluded, Manchester City are now adapting to life under Enzo Maresca as the Italian manager looks to defend the club’s domestic and European ambitions.

Guardiola continues to take time away from the touchline to recharge after one of the most defining tenures in English football history.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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