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Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has reportedly separated from his wife Cristina Serra after being together for 30 years. According to Spanish reports, Guardiola, 53, and Serra, who married in 2014, have decided to part ways despite their long-standing relationship.
The news of their separation was first disclosed by Spanish outlet Sport. The couple, who first met in 1994, had been living apart for over five years. Serra relocated to Barcelona with their daughter Valentina, 17, while Guardiola remained in Manchester. They share two other children, Maria, 24, and Marius, 22.
Despite their physical distance, Guardiola and Serra remained publicly united, often seen together at various events including sports matches and social gatherings. The decision to end their marriage was reportedly finalized in December, known only to their closest circle who have been instructed to respect their privacy.
Serra, a Brazilian journalist and writer, moved back to Barcelona in 2019 to oversee her family's fashion business, Serra Claret. Guardiola frequently traveled to Spain to spend time with his family amidst his coaching commitments in England.
Guardiola has openly praised his wife in the past, particularly noting her influence on his fashion choices. He emphasized her role in guiding his style decisions, highlighting her expertise in the field.
The couple's relationship began when Guardiola was still a footballer, evolving from a long-distance romance to living together in Barcelona and later in Germany during Guardiola's tenure at Bayern Munich. Despite their separation, they maintained a supportive bond over the years.
Guardiola, known for his successful coaching career, including stints at Barcelona and Bayern Munich before joining Manchester City in 2016, has recently faced challenges both on and off the field. His team's current season has been marked by struggles in the Champions League and Premier League, a departure from their usual dominance.
Off the pitch, Guardiola made headlines for confronting autograph hunters near his Manchester home, admonishing them for exploiting his signature for profit. The incident highlighted his strong stance against such practices, urging the individuals to pursue more meaningful endeavors.
Despite personal and professional challenges, Guardiola remains committed to his coaching role at Manchester City, having recently extended his contract until 2027. His focus remains on steering the team through their current difficulties and maintaining his dedication to football amidst personal changes.
