The recently upgraded and expanded North Stand at Etihad Stadium was renamed "Pep Guardiola Stand" on 22/5, following Guardiola's announcement of his departure from Man City. This area will open to its full capacity for the first time on 24/5, coinciding with the Catalan manager's final match leading Man City against Aston Villa in the 38th round of the Premier League.

The recently upgraded and expanded North Stand at Etihad Stadium has been renamed the Pep Guardiola Stand. Photo: Man City

The recently upgraded and expanded North Stand at Etihad Stadium has been renamed the Pep Guardiola Stand. Photo: Man City

Construction to upgrade the North Stand began in late 2023. Its expansion will add over 7,000 seats to Etihad Stadium, increasing the total capacity to 61,000 spectators. Serving as a centerpiece of the stadium's new infrastructure, the Guardiola-named stand is part of Man City's multi-utility entertainment complex. This complex includes: Medlock Square, an interactive space for fans before matches, a 401-room hotel, the club's new museum, retail stores, office spaces, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

Club Chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak personally called Guardiola to inform him of this decision. Al-Mubarak emphasized that this significant honor was "the heartfelt wish of owner Sheikh Mansour," intended to recognize the 55-year-old manager's substantial contributions over the past 10 years.

"Long ago, I stated that Man City must attract the most exceptional talent, both on and off the field," the club's website quoted billionaire Mansour as saying. "Over the past 10 years, Guardiola has been the clearest embodiment of that ambition."

According to the Man City owner, Guardiola has left an indelible mark on the club's DNA, not only through the vast collection of titles he brought but, more importantly, through how he helped the team achieve victory.

Manager Pep Guardiola converses with defender Rico Lewis after Man City's 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the first round of the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on 18/8. Photo: AFP

Manager Pep Guardiola converses with defender Rico Lewis after Man City's 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the first round of the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on 18/8. Photo: AFP

Meanwhile, Chairman Al-Mubarak, who continues to speak with Guardiola daily, shared: "Over the past 10 years, honesty and trust have been the strongest foundation for us and Guardiola to navigate the club through all circumstances, always understanding that both sides could find the right answers together. Today, the next right answer is for Guardiola to conclude his journey at Man City."

Al-Mubarak noted that over the past 10 years, there were many times Guardiola could have stopped, but he "always found new energy to keep going, exploring different methods and innovating to maintain the winning streak and deliver success." The head of Man City affirmed that beyond memories and achievements, Guardiola also leaves the club with a foundation for sustainable development.

Guardiola was deeply moved when Al-Mubarak informed him about naming the North Stand after him. "I am speechless and don't know what to say," he recounted during the press conference before his final match as Man City manager. "I want to feel that my energy or influence will remain here forever. I want to think that, in difficult moments, if someone looks towards the stand and remembers the name Guardiola, I will send the most positive energy to them, to the team, to the club."

In addition to renaming the stand, Man City is also commissioning a statue of Guardiola, which will be placed at the entrance to the stand bearing his name. This information was announced on the club's official website, though Guardiola was initially unaware.

Manager Pep Guardiola gives instructions during Man City's 2-1 victory over host Liverpool at Anfield in the 25th round of the Premier League on 8/2/2026. Photo: AFP

Manager Pep Guardiola gives instructions during Man City's 2-1 victory over host Liverpool at Anfield in the 25th round of the Premier League on 8/2/2026. Photo: AFP

During a private conversation with reporters at the training ground after the press conference, Guardiola even joked that he felt fortunate not to "be forced" to have a statue, because he "feared pigeons would do their business on it." However, the reporters themselves clarified that he would indeed receive a statue.

Upon leaving Man City, Guardiola will assume the role of Global Ambassador for City Football Group (CFG), the conglomerate that owns Man City along with 11 other clubs worldwide. This position entails providing professional advice to teams within the network and participating in specific projects and collaborative programs.

The day after the match against Villa, Guardiola and his players will participate in an open-top bus parade around Manchester city center, followed by a tribute event at the Co-op Live arena, adjacent to Etihad Stadium. The Man City women's team, champions of England's top league, the Women's Super League, for the first time in 10 years, will also be present, alongside the U18 team, who defeated Man Utd in this month's FA Cup final.

By Hoang Thong