Pep Guardiola’s game-changing announcements leave Gary Neville in shock

Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola is set to leave the club at the end of the season, according to widespread reports, in news Gary Neville described as a « game changer ».

Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the season, with many expecting this campaign to be his last.

And it appears that this is indeed the case, with an initial report from Daily Mail revealing his impending departure followed by multiple releases.

The news of Guardiola’s impending departure from Premier Leaguewhich he has won six times in his career, came as Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0 to move five points clear of City at the top.

Speaking in his role as co-commentator for Sky Sports, Neville said: « I’m very surprised that it’s broken right now, not necessarily because it’s during this game, but because it’s the night before a Manchester City game. Something like that is game-changing news.

« I remember being at school and hearing about Dalglish leaving Liverpool, or Sir Alex Ferguson leaving Manchester United, or rather Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool. They are such big moments in football and it would be something like that.

« I just don’t see what news it would be that Manchester City are going to get away or want to leave. If it’s true, they’ll be extremely disappointed that it’s fallen apart right now, and so will Pep Guardiola. »

City face Bournemouth on Tuesday in a game that will see Arsenal become champions if Guardiola’s men fail to win.

If City prevail, the title race will continue on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday when Arsenal visit Crystal Palace and City host Aston Villa in what now looks set to be Guardiola’s farewell game.

If City win each of their last two games and Arsenal slip up at Palace, then Guardiola could walk away with a seventh league title and 21st trophy at the club. City added the FA Cup to their EFL Cup triumph over Arsenal in March by beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday.