Pep Guardiola confirmed on Friday that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, thus bringing an end to a trophy-laden, 10-year spell in which he established City as a major force in Europe. Guardiola will take charge of his final game against Aston Villa in the English Premier League on Sunday.

“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 [apart from] the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City,” said Guardiola, who will take up the role of global ambassador for the club. City will also erect a statue for him at the Etihad Stadium in addition to naming a stand after him. Italian coach Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea manager, is the favourite to replace Guardiola.