Published: Today at 10:13
PEP GUARDIOLA will quit Barcelona at the end of the season after deciding not to renew his rolling one-year contract
The Spaniard brings an end to four trophy-laden years at the Nou Camp in which he won 13 major honours including three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues.
But his decision comes after a disastrous week for the club in which they lost to bitter rivals Real Madrid and were dumped out of Europe by Chelsea.
It is widely expected that Guardiola will take a break from the game although SunSport understands he would love to work in England in the future.
He has been linked with the vacant manager's job at Chelsea as well as a number of other Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.
The Barca boss reportedly told his players he was leaving in a meeting this morning and the club have announced they will hold a press conference at 12.30pm (BST) when they will confirm the news.
Guardiola is thought to have met with Barca president Sandro Rosell, vice-president for sport Josep Maria Bartomeu and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta on Wednesday and indicated his desire to leave.
At the club’s request he promised to give it further thought but emerged with the same decision.
He is understood to have told bosses he was mentally and physically drained and thinks he has taken the team as far as he can.
Speculation on his future has been mounting for weeks with his contract due to expire in the summer.
But the 41-year-old former Barca midfielder has operated on short-term deals throughout his time as manager.
He stepped up from Barca B manager to first-team boss in 2008 and has gone on to become the most successful coach in the club’s illustrious history.
As well as Champions League and La Liga glory he has led the azulgrana to one Copa del Rey, three Supercopas, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.
But the past week has been arguably the worst of Guardiola's time at the club.
Barca lost 2-1 to Real Madrid at the Nou Camp last Saturday — a defeat which effectively saw them relinquish their Primera Division title to Jose Mourinho’s men.
And their midweek exit to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals looks to have sealed Guardiola's decision to quit.
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