Pep Guardiola's wife 'called time on marriage after reaching final Man City decision'

Pep Guardiola's new Manchester City contract is behind his split from wife Cristina Serra, it's claimed.

The Spanish journalists who broke the shock break up have claimed the 53-year-old's decision to extend his stay in Manchester - signing a new two-year deal in November - was the final straw for his wife.

Lorena Vazquez and Laura Fa, a duo of well-respected showbiz reporters who call themselves the Mamarazzis, linked the contract extension to the marriage split as they offered a fascinating new insight - days after revealing the couple had called time on their 30-year relationship.

They said in a podcast broadcast today that Pep’s fashion powerhouse wife, who returned to Barcelona in 2019 to focus on her business interests, had surprised those close to the couple by failing to return to Manchester to visit her husband as expected in September following the summer holidays.

Catalan newspaper Sport, referencing the Mamarazzis Podcast which described friends seeing "unusual goings-on" and fearing the couple's three-decade relationship was nearing its end, said: “The Catalan coach's wife reportedly blamed him for putting so much effort into his professional project and felt the need to leave Manchester.

“During the Christmas holidays the two moved to Barcelona and were even seen enjoying time out together, but Guardiola's decision to renew his contract with Manchester City caused Cristina to say enough was enough. According to reports, the family had already made up their minds that their time in England was coming to an end and that their new life was in the United Arab Emirates.

"The confirmation that Pep would stay at the Citizens until 2027 ended up breaking what was already cracked.”

Image: James Whitehead/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) James Whitehead/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Lorena Vazquez and Laura Fa went on to suggest however that friends of the couple are still hoping they will enjoy a future reconciliation: “It could be that one day, when Pep leaves football, and if he returns to Barcelona, they could renew their relationship.”

Lorena insisted yesterday after breaking news of the marriage split news that there was no “third person”. She said: “It’s been a carefully-considered decision the couple discussed over several months. They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship. No-one else is involved. There are no third parties. We are going to carry on seeing them together.”

A close friend was quoted on Tuesday as claiming the marriage ended because Pep is a “total workaholic.”

Pep’s eldest daughter Maria has also opened up on her parents, becoming the first family member to speak since the shock news of their split. She said: “My parents have always advised me to find what I am passionate about.

“They encourage me to try new things, to accept failure and to keep searching until I find my calling, because when I do, full dedication will come naturally. They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.”

Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The 24-year-old London-based beauty went on to tell Vanity Fair Spain: “In the end it all comes down to feeling loved. Even in situations where we feel out of place, they tell me to listen carefully to others, there is always something valuable to learn from each person we meet.”

Guardiola will have completed 11 years at City when his fresh terms end. He is already the longest-serving manager in the Premier League and the second-longest across all four divisions.

He said shortly after penning his contract extension: "Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here – we have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.”

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