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Pep Guardiola has admitted that this Sunday will be an emotional occasion as his tenure as Manchester City’s manager comes to an end.

City will take on Aston Villa in their final fixture of the 2025/26 season at 16:00 (UK) at the Etihad Stadium, marking the conclusion of Guardiola’s remarkable ten-year spell in charge of the club.

Having announced his departure on Friday, the Catalan coach will bid farewell to supporters, players, and staff following the match.

It has also been confirmed that the North Stand at the Etihad will be renamed in Guardiola’s honour, with his family set to attend the game.

Speaking during Friday’s press conference, Guardiola said he was looking forward to sharing the special moment with Bernardo Silva and John Stones, both of whom will also leave Manchester City at the end of the season.

“I guess it will not be easy,” he began. “I have a lot of love; it won’t be easy to see my family there and hopefully I can enjoy it. Another thing I enjoy is that I can do it alongside John and Bernardo. It’s so special for me. What better two players to experience this with? They have represented this club on and off the pitch like true gentlemen.”

He also mentioned the return of former players. “I think Eddie is coming back, who was the goalkeeper here for many years. He couldn’t say goodbye to our fans, so I’m happy he’s back, and Gundo too. I checked the weather forecast and it’s perfect for Sunday. Hopefully, we can all enjoy it because the fans and myself deserve to enjoy it.”

Guardiola, who previously managed Barcelona for four years and Bayern Munich for three, reflected on his unexpectedly long stay in Manchester. He admitted that he had never envisioned remaining at the club for a decade but said that the relationships he built and the 20 major trophies he won far exceeded his initial expectations.

“It has been so good. Everything has been unexpected,” he said. “I couldn’t have imagined ten years here or meeting the incredible people I have met. The numbers and records are there, but today isn’t about that—it’s about the connections, experiences, and memories I have had at this club.”

He continued, “I never thought I’d stay this long—ten years is a long time at one club. We pushed each other, the energy was always positive, back and forth, and that’s why I stayed. We had incredible players. It’s impossible not to have small conflicts, but they were minor. There were good days and bad days, as in any job, but overall I know they understand how much I value them.”

To celebrate the achievements of Manchester City’s men’s, women’s, and academy teams during the 2025/26 season, the club has confirmed that an open-top bus parade will take place on Monday, 25 May. The parade will be followed by “The After Party,” a special celebratory event at Co-op Live.

Event Information

Date: Monday, 25 May

Doors Open: 15:00 (UK)

Parade Show Begins: 16:00 (UK)

Final Entry: 18:00 (UK)

Player Arrival at Co-op Live: 18:30 (UK)

Event Closes: 20:00 (UK)