The news was widely reported earlier in the week, but the Spaniard confirmed the decision on Friday, with Sunday's game at the Etihad set to be his last in charge.

Guardiola led City to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles.

While he claimed a third FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea last weekend, Guardiola's charges conceded the league to Arsenal, following their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in midweek.

He will now take charge of his final game as head coach at home against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The former Barcelona and Bayern boss will continue to be employed by the City Football Group and work as a global ambassador.

The CFG owns, amongst others, Girona, Troyes, Palermo, New York City FC, Melbourne City and Yokohama Marinos.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to be announced as Guardiola's replacement in due course, with BBC Sport reporting that City had been preparing for the manager's departure for at least a year.

"When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, ‘Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun,'" Guardiola wrote in a heartfelt farewell on the club's website.

"And what a time we have had together. Don't ask me the reasons I'm leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it's my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City.

"This is a city built from work. From graft. You see it in the colour of the bricks. From people who clocked in early, stayed late. The factories. The Pankhursts. The unions. The music. Simply the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. And I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did too.

"We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way.

"Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League, and you were there. Trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too.

"Remember, the Manchester Arena attack, when this city showed the world what strength actually looks like? Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community. Togetherness. A city united.

"Remember, losing my mum during COVID and feeling this club carry me through it. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most. Cris, my kids, my whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon, you were there too.

"Players don't forget - every single instant, moment, me, my staff, this club, everything. What we have done, we have done it for all of you. And you have been just exceptional. You don't know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy.

"So as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me.

"Thank you for pushing me.

"Thank you for loving me.

"Tony Walsh said in his unforgettable poem this is the place. I'm sorry, Tony: this is my place.

"Noel...I was right.

"It has been so f****** fun.

“Love you all," penned the manager.

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