Recent statements from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola have sent ripples through the football world, as he openly discussed his plans for a future sabbatical from coaching and definitively ruled out a return to his beloved Barcelona.

In a candid interview with GQ Hype Magazine, Guardiola, who extended his contract with Manchester City until 2027 last November, revealed his firm intention to take a break from football after his current spell with the English club concludes. "I know that after this spell with City I'm going to stop, that's for sure, it's decided, more than decided," he stated. The exact duration of this break remains unknown, with Guardiola speculating it could range from "a year, two years, three years, five, ten, fifteen." His reasoning is clear: "I'm going to stop after this spell with City because I need to stop and focus on myself, on my body." This echoes his previous sabbatical between his Barcelona and Bayern Munich stints.

This revelation comes as Manchester City prepare for the 2025/2026 Premier League season, with Guardiola entering his tenth season at the helm – his longest tenure at any club. Despite a 2024/2025 campaign that saw City fall short of major honors, Guardiola remains committed to his role and is overseeing a significant squad rebuild. He acknowledged the challenges of sustained success, stating, "When you win six Premier Leagues, there comes a time when you go downhill. It's human nature. We probably should've moved more players."

Adding to the clarity about his future, Guardiola also put an end to persistent speculation about a return to Barcelona, either as a coach or in a directorial role. "It's over. It's over forever. It was very beautiful, but now it's over," he emphatically declared, ruling out any professional comeback to the Catalan club where he spent formative years as both a player and a hugely successful manager. He even humorously dismissed the idea of becoming club president, saying, "No, no, no. I'm not good for this job."

In other news, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently confirmed that applications for the India men's coach job, purporting to be from both Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez, were fake. This dispelled a brief buzz in Indian football circles.

As the new Premier League season approaches, Guardiola has also reportedly sported a new look – a moustache – garnering reactions from fans online. Manchester City have also released footage of Guardiola's delight at reuniting with players like Matheus Nunes and Ederson during pre-season training, signaling his continued intensity and commitment to the team despite the ongoing transfer window and the rebuilding efforts.

While the football world will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Guardiola's final years at Manchester City, his recent statements provide a clear glimpse into his future plans, highlighting a desire for personal well-being and a definitive closure on his illustrious Barcelona chapter.