Manchester City has announced that Pep Guardiola will join the club this summer as manager to replace Manuel Pellegrini.

In a statement from the Club, Manchester City announced:

“Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalized negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC Head Coach for the 16/17 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 Pellegrini, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retain the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the Club.”

At the close of his press conference, Pellegrini announced that he would not be renewing his contract with the club this summer.

“I knew about this a month ago,” said Pellegrini. “I don’t think it’s good to discuss about rumor and speculation about different things and thats why I preferred to finish today.”