Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has purchased a sleek new apartment in Barcelona, marking a clear step in his separation from wife Cristina Serra after three decades of marriage.
The Spanish coach, who has spent much of his managerial career abroad, is said to have quietly completed the purchase of a luxury property in the city’s exclusive Pedralbes district — a short distance from the £8.5million family home he once shared with Serra.
The move underscores what those close to the couple describe as the “final chapter” in one of football’s most enduring relationships, according to The Sun.
Reports in Spain suggest the pair’s divorce is now imminent, with sources describing negotiations as having shifted from “friendly” to “cordial”.
Guardiola’s new residence, surrounded by tree-lined streets and overlooking the Catalan capital, is said to offer him a private sanctuary away from the demands of Premier League life.
Local reports have described it as a “refuge” — a space where the Manchester City boss can “disconnect from football and enjoy moments of peace and introspection.”
A source familiar with the property said: “It is a spacious home, with spectacular views of the city and high-end finishes that reflect Pep’s refined taste.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has purchased a sleek new apartment in Barcelona, marking a clear step in his separation from wife Cristina Serra after three decades of marriage
|REUTERS/PA
“It has good connections with more central areas of Barcelona, with their bustle of shops, bars and restaurants.
“But at the same time it offers the calmness of the upper part of the city, so Pep can recharge his batteries after long work days.”
Pedralbes has long been one of Barcelona’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, home to business leaders, diplomats and celebrities.
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Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra had been together since he was a rising star at Barcelona
|PA
Guardiola’s choice to remain there has not gone unnoticed among Spanish media, who view it as a sign that he wishes to maintain a connection with the area that has defined much of his life outside football.
Journalist Laura Fa, one half of the reporting duo known as “the Mamarazzis”, told Spanish outlet El Periódico: “The fact the house is located near Pep’s old family pad shows he did not want to disconnect from the neighbourhood he has always considered his home.”
Fa and her co-host Lorena Vázquez were the first to reveal earlier this year that Guardiola and Serra had begun divorce proceedings, reportedly engaging the same lawyer to manage what was then described as an amicable split.
Their relationship previously began in their youth when Guardiola was a rising star at Barcelona.
The couple share three children and have largely kept their private lives away from public attention.
Serra, a respected fashion entrepreneur, has remained in Barcelona while Guardiola has continued to manage Manchester City, where he has overseen a period of remarkable success including a historic Treble.
Pep Guardiola's immediate focus is on guiding Manchester City to another Premier League title
| REUTERSFriends say the new home signals Guardiola’s intent to establish a base in his native city as he navigates life after the separation.
One associate put it simply: “Barcelona has always been Pep’s anchor. No matter how far he travels, this is where he comes back to.”
The purchase, though personal in nature, comes as the Catalan coach continues to face speculation about his future at Manchester City, with some close to him suggesting that a return to Spain — professionally or personally — may eventually follow.
For now, however, his focus is on guiding City to another league title.
The Citizens have bounced back from a slow start and go into Sunday's clash with Aston Villa sitting second in the Premier League table.
Whether they can secure victory at Villa Park remains to be seen.