Pep Guardiola says he will leave Manchester City when his contract expires in 2023

Pep Guardiola has said he will not renew his current contract with Manchester City when it expires in 2023 and that he hopes to manage a national team.

Guardiola, 50, who joined City in 2016, plans to “have a break” after seven years with the Premier League champions.

“I think I’m going to have a stop. I’m going to have to take a break, see what we’ve done,” he said in quotes attributed to ESPN Brasil.

“Next step will be a national team, if there is a possibility.”

He was speaking at an online event organized by Brazilian financial services company XP Investimentos.

“I would like to train a South American (team), European, playing a Copa America; I want to have that experience.”

GUardiola’s revelation came on the same day City’s hopes of signing Tottenham striker Harry Kane came to an end, with the England captain confirming he is staying with Spurs.

Guardiola has won three Premier League titles, a FA Cup title and four successive League Cups with City.

He joined from Bayern Munich where he had moved to after a 12-month break from management following his departure from Barcelona in 2012. PHOTO/COURTESY