Manchester City have confirmed that in-demand Pep Guardiola will be appointed as the club's new manager at the end of the season on a three-year deal.
The Spaniard, who has won 19 trophies in his eight years of management, has been widely linked with the Premier League outfit ever since he announced his decision to leave Bayern Munich when the current campaign comes to a close in the summer.
Chelsea and Manchester United were touted as possible destinations for Guardiola, but the former Barcelona boss has opted to move to the Etihad Stadium to fulfil his desire of coaching in England's top flight.
City confirmed the news shortly after current manager Manuel Pellegrini announced that he will end his three-year spell, which has included one Premier League title and a League Cup, in the summer.
A statement from the North-West outfit read: "City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commented 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 Pellegrini, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead of retaining the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the club."
During his four-year spell in charge of Barcelona, Guardiola won three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice, as well as two Copa del Rey trophies.
The 45-year-old has continued his success at Bayern as he guided the team to the Bundesliga crown in his first two seasons in charge and is on course to end his stint at the Allianz Arena with another league title as his side currently have an eight-point lead at the top of the table.
Danielle Joynson
