“I didn’t say I’m leaving” – Pep Guardiola issues major update on Manchester City future

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has refused to rule out signing a new contract with the Premier League giants. 

The 53-year-old said in May that he was “closer to leaving than staying”, which suggested next season would be his last at the Etihad Stadium. 

But addressing his previous comments ahead of City’s next pre-season friendly against AC Milan, Guardiola said he hasn’t completely ruled out staying with the English champions beyond the next season. 

“When I’m leaving, I will say I’m leaving, but I didn’t say that,” Guardiola told reporters (per The Guardian). “We will see what happens. But I will not rule it out absolutely to extend my contract. I would love to stay because I would love to stay”. 

The Spanish boss also added: “[I was] saying that I [had] been eight years in Man City. So I’m not here for eight more years. So that’s why I’m closer to leaving than staying. But I didn’t say I’m leaving!”

Guardiola has completely transformed Manchester City’s fortunes since taking over the club in 2016. 

He has led his side to six Premier League trophies, including winning all the previous four league titles. 

The Champions League had always eluded the Spaniard during his City reign but that changed in 2023 when his team beat Inter Milan in the final to become the European champions. 

Guardiola’s comments in May strongly suggested he would leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. 

But in a good news for the Citizens, the 53-year-old has opened the door to penning a new contract, with his current deal expiring next summer. 

Trending

Burnley striker Lyle Foster receiving care over mental health issues

With Guardiola at the helm, City will enter the new campaign as huge favourites again to lift their fifth straight Premier League trophy. 

Arsenal will push to end their league supremacy again but it will be a big challenge for Mikel Arteta’s side who have already failed twice.