[b]Manchester City have confirmed Pep Guardiola will succeed Manuel Pellegrini as manager this summer.

Pep Guardiola will manage Manchester City next season

Guardiola will take over at the Etihad Stadium on a three-year deal with Pellegrini set to officially depart on June 30.

A statement issued by the club said: "Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC Head Coach for the 2016/17 EPL season onwards.

"The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions 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.

"Manuel, 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 club's surprise statement ends considerable speculation linking them with outgoing Bayern Munich boss Guardiola and over Pellegrini's future.



The 62-year-old Chilean revealed the news at the end of a press conference to preview tomorrow night's clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

"I finish my contract in June," Pellegrini said. "A lot of speculation but I knew this a month ago.
"But I don't think it is good to have more speculation. I prefer to finish today. I have told the players I was going."


- See more at: http://www.nigeriabam.com/2016/02/manchester-city-have-confirmed-pep.html#sthash.K8PWKVD6.dpuf[/b]