The Catalan has overseen City's evolution since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in 2016. His transformation of the club has been nothing short of remarkable, delivering six Premier League crowns across nine campaigns whilst establishing a new benchmark for excellence in the English game.
The pinnacle arrived in 2023 when City claimed their maiden Champions League trophy as part of a historic treble, finally adding European glory to Guardiola's Manchester legacy. That triumph cemented his status as one of football's greatest tacticians, having previously conquered Europe with Barcelona.
Guardiola's latest contract extension, penned in November 2024, runs until summer 2027 after his previous agreement was set to expire at the conclusion of the current campaign.
Speaking to GQ Hype, Guardiola made clear this extension represents his final commitment to football management.
"I know that after this stage with City I'm going to stop, that's for sure, it's decided, more than decided," he confirmed.
"I'm going to leave after this stage with City, because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body."
The 54-year-old's words suggest no sabbatical is planned - unlike the year-long break he took between Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Instead, Guardiola appears ready to step away from the dugout permanently, dismissing speculation about a potential international posting before retirement.
His departure will mark the end of an era at City, where he has redefined expectations and established the club among Europe's elite. The question for another day is whether any successor can maintain the standards Guardiola has set during his transformative reign in Manchester.