Guardiola says Man City 'need new energy' as exit confirmed

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City need "new energy" as he brought an end to his 10-year reign as manager. The club confirmed the 55-year-old's final game in charge will be against Aston Villa on Sunday at Etihad Stadium. Guardiola has led City to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, since he arrived a decade ago.

In honour of his impact, City's newly developed north stand will be named after him and fully open for the first time in the club's final game of the season against Europa League winners Villa. A statue will also be built for Guardiola and positioned on the approach to the stand. BBC Sport reported on Monday how City were preparing for Guardiola's departure a year before the end of his contract.

"Ten years is a lot of time and I think the club needs a new manager, new energy, these incredible players we have right now and start to write another chapter," he said on Friday during his final pre-match press conference. "I feel I would not have the energy [in the future] required to daily, every three days, to fight for the title, being in front of the players. "After 10 years, it is good to shake, to move, different faces - it's really good for everyone.

"If I did not believe that, if they don't sack me, I would stay here. But I think it is the perfect moment, perfect time. " Guardiola shared his decision with his squad on Friday morning, but added his speech "was a disaster".