Pep Guardiola buys 'bachelor pad' new home in Barcelona with divorce from wife Cristina Serra 'imminent'

News of Guardiola and Serra’s separation broke at the start of the year, with the decision to go their separate ways initially coming over dinner in October 2024. The reasons behind the split are not confirmed, but there were reports that the City boss decided to extend his contract and time in England without telling Serra, who had been wanting to spend more time with her husband.

Guardiola had been expected to finish his time at City at the end of last season before committing his future to the club. The contract and relationship rumours came amid Guardiola overseeing his worst-ever run of form at City, with the stress of the job and his personal life visibly impacting the previously ruthless and unassailable manager.

Guardiola and Serra have remained in a cordial relationship since their split and have even tried to give their marriage a ‘second chance’. In April, the pair were supposedly trying to rebuild bridges and find compromises. The Catalan coach said he would spend more time at his family home in Catalonia, to avoid long breaks without seeing one another.

Now, The Sun reports that their divorce is “imminent” and Guardiola has bought the new home for himself. A source told the tabloid: “It is a spacious home, with spectacular views of the city and high-end finishes that reflect Pep’s refined taste.

“It has good connections with more central areas of Barcelona with its hustle and bustle of shops and bars and restaurants. But at the same time it has the calmness that comes with the upper part of the city so Pep can recharge his batteries after his long work days.”

Last weekend, Guardiola shared that he does not intend to take a break from management for at least another decade. Carles Planchart had claimed that the City boss should take some time away from the game to recharge before taking on a new challenge.

Guardiola dismissed the idea, saying: “He’s right but in 2035 I will start to think about it.

“I’m fine, we changed a lot in the last years before but especially the last time, and still the energy that my staff brings me and the new players. I had the feeling in Barcelona, I had the feeling in Munich and now here that if I am a problem I will step aside.

"I still have the feeling that I have the energy to help the players make a better season than last season. This is my target. I never sit here in November saying we’re going to win this or this. I don't know what is going to happen against Everton but before the international break we were far away from the top of the league and now we are closer.”

City are second in the Premier League, just three points behind league leaders Arsenal and a point ahead of the champions Liverpool. Guardiola joked that Liverpool were “done” following four defeats in a row, but knows his side have work to do if they are to maintain their advantage over the Reds.

He will also need Erling Haaland to keep up his rampant goal-scoring form against Aston Villa on Sunday as they look to keep pace with the Gunners. Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just three goals in all competitions this season and, aside from defeat at Anfield and a 1-1 draw with City, have been faultless. Guardiola may take some heart from the injury to the Gunners' key defender Gabriel and will hope Crystal Palace can bounce back from a few defeats.