Revealed: The reasons why Pep Guardiola's marriage with Cristina Serra ended with Man City boss labelled 'total workaholic'

The couple’s split is said to be amicable, though no official reason for the breakup has been disclosed. According to the Daily Mail,the separation has been attributed to the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Serra relocated back to Barcelona in 2019, taking their youngest daughter, Valentina, now 17, with her. The move was motivated by her desire to manage the family’s fashion business, Serra Claret, leaving Guardiola in Manchester to focus on his football career.

A source close to Guardiola told the Daily Mail: "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."

The source dismissed any speculation of infidelity, and added: "They have parted on friendly terms and I really don't think there is someone else involved."

Guardiola and Serra first met in Barcelona when the former footballer was modelling for designer Antonio Miro in her family’s boutique in 1994. They decided to tie the knot in 2014 and their relationship endured several relocations, including a move to Germany during Guardiola’s tenure as manager of Bayern Munich. However, the distance between Manchester and Barcelona in recent years appears to have taken its toll on their bond.

The manager’s demanding schedule with Manchester City, coupled with regular trips to Barcelona to visit his family, appears to have created an unsustainable dynamic. While his achievements on the pitch have cemented his legacy as one of football’s greatest coaches, the personal sacrifices he has made along the way are evident. As Guardiola navigates this difficult period, his focus will undoubtedly remain on guiding City to three points when they take on Brentford on Tuesday.