According to the British newspaper Sunsport, the relationship between Guardiola and Cristina Serra has shifted from amicable to purely social as divorce negotiations become more complex.

Guardiola and Cristina photographed with their daughters after Man City's 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final in Istanbul. Photo: UEFA

Guardiola and Cristina photographed with their daughters after Man City's 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final in Istanbul. Photo: UEFA

Initially, the couple hoped for a peaceful separation. However, their relationship has deteriorated, making the divorce more stressful and urgent than anticipated.

Sun sources suggest the divorce will likely be finalized in the coming weeks and publicly announced next month.

Guardiola had attempted reconciliation after spending Easter in Barcelona with Serra. The Man City manager reportedly committed to visiting her weekly between matches to avoid prolonged separations.

However, Spanish journalists Laura Fa and Lorena Vazquez, who first reported the split, maintain the marriage is beyond repair.

"The signing of the divorce papers is imminent. It's clear their romantic relationship has ended," Fa stated. "Their relationship is now purely social, not amicable. We're not saying there's tension, but the separation has clearly entered a new phase," Vazquez added.

Guardiola met Cristina in 1994 when he was 23 and playing for Barca, while she was 20. They married in 2014 in a ceremony outside Barcelona and have three children: Maria (24), Marius (22), and Valentina (17).

They lived apart for much of their marriage. The relationship reportedly began to deteriorate in 2019 when Cristina returned to Barcelona to focus on her fashion business. Guardiola's decision to extend his Man City contract until 2027 was allegedly the final straw.

Manager Pep Guardiola expresses disappointment after Man City's 0-1 loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 17/5. Photo: Reuters

Manager Pep Guardiola expresses disappointment after Man City's 0-1 loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 17/5. Photo: Reuters

Sunsport reports that Guardiola's marital problems are causing concern within Man City, especially with the new season approaching. Earlier this year, British media noted that Man City's poorest form under Guardiola coincided with his marital difficulties.

Last season, Man City suffered early exits from the Champions League and League Cup, lost to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, and struggled in the Premier League, barely securing a top-5 finish.

Hong Duy (according to The Sun)