Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, has separated from his wife, Cristina Serra, after 30 years together.
The couple reportedly made the decision to part ways in December, though it was kept private until now.
A close friend of Guardiola told MailOnline, "I think they have grown apart. She left Manchester about five years ago to return to Barcelona. That has taken its toll. He is a total workaholic, and not being involved in their family fashion business together may have affected their relationship too."
Serra, who moved back to Barcelona in 2019 with their youngest daughter, Valentina, now 17, has been helping manage her family’s designer clothing boutique. Despite living 860 miles apart, the pair appeared to remain on good terms publicly, often seen together at events or with their children Maria, 24, Marius, 22, and Valentina.
Reports from Spain suggest the split was amicable. "They have parted on friendly terms, and I really don't think there is someone else involved," the source added.
Guardiola, 53, met Serra in 1994 when they were both 18. The couple married in 2014 in an intimate ceremony. Serra has frequently supported Guardiola at key moments in his career, including Manchester City’s historic Treble win last year.
Guardiola’s personal struggles have coincided with Manchester City’s challenging season. The team has endured a poor run, and Guardiola has faced scrutiny for several incidents, including rows with fans and unsettling comments about self-harm during a Champions League game.
Observers are questioning if these issues are linked to his personal challenges. Guardiola recently joked about the marks on his face, saying, "I wanted to hurt myself," after scratching himself in frustration during a match against Feyenoord.
Despite the difficulties, Guardiola continues to lead City. He signed a contract extension in November, keeping him at the club until 2027. However, this season has been tough, with the team sitting sixth in the Premier League and struggling in the Champions League.
The separation marks the end of a long-standing relationship between Guardiola and Serra, who first built a life together in Barcelona before moving to Germany during his time managing Bayern Munich. The two remained close, often appearing at public events together, but the challenges of long-distance and demanding careers ultimately took their toll.
