What an honour! Guardiola is getting both a statue and a stand at the Etihad

Manchester City have revealed plans to honour Pep Guardiola with both a statue and a stand bearing his name at the Etihad Stadium following confirmation of his departure from the club.

Earlier today, Guardiola announced that he would step down after a decade in charge that brought 20 major trophies, with Enzo Maresca currently viewed as the leading candidate to succeed him.

It's official: Guardiola to leave City after 10 years

The Spaniard transformed not only City but also English football during his time in Manchester, and the club now want to cement his legacy permanently. As part of the tribute, the expanded North Stand will officially become the Pep Guardiola Stand, while a statue of the 55-year-old manager will also be installed outside the stadium. The newly renovated stand, which includes 7,000 extra seats, will welcome supporters for the first time during Guardiola’s final home match against Aston Villa on Sunday.

“I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field. For 10 years Pep has been the personification of that ambition,” His Highness Sheikh Mansour told the club’s official website.

“He has made an indelible imprint on the DNA of the club. One that is borne more from how he won than from the many trophies he lifted. He has the unending gratitude of myself and the entire City family, a family of which he will always be part.”

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak also praised Guardiola’s impact, insisting the tributes reflected the scale of his achievements and influence.

“The Pep Guardiola Stand, and the statue that will sit outside it, rightly ensure that Pep’s legacy will remain forever woven into the fabric of this football club, the city of Manchester and English football. The unique relationship that he has with our fans has been earned through the honesty and passion of his ten seasons fighting to bring them success. The Pep Guardiola Stand is a fitting and permanent reminder of that relationship, the most successful period in our Club’s history, and the unique football genius at its heart.”

Even after leaving the dugout, Guardiola will continue working within the City Football Group in an ambassadorial and advisory position, contributing to projects and offering technical guidance across the organisation’s clubs.