Premier League: Manchester City confirm Pep Guardiola will become new manager in the summer
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Manchester City have confirmed that Pep Guardiola will take over as their manager in the summer, replacing Manuel Pellegrini.
Incidentally, it was Pellegrini himself that broke the news, following on from a routine press conference ahead of City's next Premier League game tomorrow.
The Chiliean then revealed he would be leaving the club at the end of the season, and that he knew he would be leaving for the last four weeks.
He also confirmed that he wanted to end speculation about his future having been frequently questioned on the subject in recent weeks.
It was then that the club's press team handed out a press release to the reporters present which confirmed Guardiola would be taking over.
"Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalized contract negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC Head Coach for the 16/17 season onwards." it read.
"The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussion that were curtailed in 2012."
"Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation."
The club also confirmed what Pellegrini had said that he had been aware of the situation, "Manuel Pellegrini, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the Club."
The timing of the announcement has certainly come as a surprise, with Transfer Deadline day temporarily being put on hold by the media to cover the story.
Despite all the speculation about his future, Pellegrini has steered his side on course for an audacious quadruple. They are well in contention to win their third Premier League title, are in the final of the League Cup and fifth round of the FA Cup, as well as a favourable tie in the last sixteen of the Champions League.