Manchester: English Football Club Manchester City has announced that the newly-expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be renamed ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’ in honour of departing manager, who will step down after completing a historic decade at the club.
The stand will officially be unveiled during Guardiola’s final game in charge against Aston Villa on Sunday, marking an emotional farewell to the Spaniard who transformed City into one of world football’s dominant forces.
The tribute has been bestowed by Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour in recognition of Guardiola’s 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.
A statue of Guardiola will also be commissioned and placed outside the newly named stand on Joe Mercer Way.
“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 ten years, Pep has been the personification of that ambition,” Sheikh Mansour said in a club statement.
“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,” he added. IANS
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