Guardiola signs three year deal to take over as Manchester City head coach.
Manuel Pellegrini confirms his departure at the original end of his City contract.
It was almost an aside at the end of today’s press conference, but Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that he was leaving Manchester City at the original end of his contract on June 30 this year.
He will be replaced by Pep Guardiola, who is leaving his role as Bayern Munich manager this summer.
Pellegrini had his original three year contract extended in the summer after speculation over the fate of Guardiola, who later announced he was leaving Bayern, increased but he and the club felt that the time was right to make an announcement now.
The Chilean, who arrived at the Etihad as an unheralded head coach, will now be in demand across Europe as a trophy-laden manager with Premier League experience.
He said: “I talked with the club and I finish on the original date [of my contract] on June 30.
He added: “They are not doing anything behind my back but I want to end the speculation. I told the players [today], and the club two weeks ago, goodbye.”
A statement by Manchester City confirmed the impending arrival of Pep Guardiola this summer after the end of his Bayern Munich contract. It said:
“Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become Manchester City head coach for the 16/17 English Premier League season onwards.
“The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012.
“Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the Club wished to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation.
“Manuel Pellegrini, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the Club.”