The stand will officially be unveiled during Guardiola\u2019s final game in charge against Aston Villa on Sunday, marking an emotional farewell to the Spaniard who transformed City into one of world football\u2019s dominant forces.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The tribute has been bestowed by Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour in recognition of Guardiola\u2019s extraordinary contribution since arriving at the club in 2016. During his 10-year spell, Guardiola guided City to 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League crown in 2023.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A statue of Guardiola will also be commissioned and placed outside the newly named stand on Joe Mercer Way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field. For ten years, Pep has been the personification of that ambition,\u201d Sheikh Mansour said in a club statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The honour comes hours after Guardiola confirmed he would leave the club at the end of the season, saying: \u201cDeep inside, I know it\u2019s my time. Nothing is eternal; if it were, I would be here.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite stepping down as manager, Guardiola will continue his association with the City Football Group as a Global Ambassador, where he will provide technical advice and work on strategic projects across the group\u2019s clubs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak described the stand naming as a fitting tribute to the most successful period in City\u2019s history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe Pep Guardiola Stand, and the statue that will sit outside it, rightly ensure that Pep\u2019s legacy will remain forever woven into the fabric of this football club, the city of Manchester and English football,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe Pep Guardiola Stand, and the statue that will sit outside it, rightly ensure that Pep\u2019s legacy will remain forever woven into the fabric of this football club, the city of Manchester and English football,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Guardiola\u2019s final home game comes three days after City surrendered the 2025-26 Premier League title to Arsenal, whose triumph ended a 22-year wait for the league crown.<\/p>\r\n\r\n