Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has been confirmed as the next manager of Manchester City football club.
Man City released a statement at lunchtime today (Monday) confirming that Guardiola would take over the reins at the start of the 2016/17 season, and has signed a three-year deal.
City statement on Pep G and Pellegrini
The news spells the beginning of the end for current Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who will leave the club at the end of this season, after three years at the helm.
The statement said that Man City were publicly announcing the news "out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini".
Some pundits view the announcement as being badly timed, while others see it as a clever move by the club.
Very poor timing to announce Guardiola's arrival to Manchester City this summer.. Pellegrini still chasing 4 trophies!! #badtaste
#MCFC's timing of the Guardiola announcement now makes it much less awkward should Pellegrini end up winning treble/quadruple. #bbcfootball
It was announced by Bayern Munich in December that Guardiola intended to leave the club this summer in order to manage a club in the English Premier League, but Guardiola did not say which club he intended to join.
Confirmation that Guardiola is joining City, and not United, will come as a blow to fans of the Red Devils, who are growing weary of Louis van Gaal's plodding tactical approach at Old Trafford.
Many Manchester United fans reacted angrily to the news.
Sigh! And you guys still won't sack Louis Van Gaal @manutd
It's quite sad that we're sticking with Van Gaal and accepting mediocrity whilst City bring in Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is a sign of intent by man city.Ed Woodward is a moron for not ensuring we got him which we could have done if we had tried.
Though some are clearly still holding out for Jose Mourinho.
José Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola in Manchester is what football is about. It just needs to happen.
Well done good old Ed Woodward for allowing Man City to get Guardiola. They'll dominate with him. Mourihno is a must now!
Man City fans almost unanimously celebrated the announcement.
Man city is going to be unstoppable with Guardiola in command. ⚽️
Man City fans everywhere https://t.co/mopSGf5lGv
Guardiola to Man City. Done deal. I can't wait
guardiola new man city manager 💙 rip premier league