Guardiola’s marriage drama takes new twist on Man City farewell day

Outgoing Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, appeared to have reconciled with his estranged wife, Cristina Serra, after she joined him at the Etihad Stadium for his final match in charge of the club.

Serra was present with members of Guardiola’s family as Manchester City honoured the Spaniard after his last game as manager.

Guardiola, who looked emotional during the ceremony, described Serra as an “exceptional woman” while addressing fans at the stadium.

The 55-year-old also paid tribute to his family, including his father, Valentin, who recently turned 95.

“Yesterday my dad turned 95 years old,” Guardiola said.

He added that although his father might not fully understand the occasion, he believed Cristina and his children would realise in the coming years that the Guardiola family name would remain part of Manchester City’s history.

City marked the occasion by renaming the North Stand after Guardiola.

The newly expanded stand was formally reopened on Sunday and will now be known as The Pep Guardiola Stand.

Serra joined Guardiola for the family photo alongside their children, Maria, Valentina and Marius.

Guardiola and Serra met in 1994 and got married in 2014.

Reports of their separation emerged last year after about three decades together.

Serra, a fashion entrepreneur, had lived with Guardiola in England before returning to Spain about three years ago.

The couple were said to have started divorce proceedings in 2024, following Guardiola’s decision to extend his stay at Manchester City.

However, reports in Spain later claimed that the pair were making efforts to reconcile.

Guardiola has also been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he is reportedly considering a luxury property.

Manchester City lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in Guardiola’s final match.