Why Pep Guardiola and wife Cristina Serra split up after 30 years together - 'Total workaholic'
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has split from his wife Cristina Serra after 30 years together, with sources close to the couple revealing their separation.
The pair, who had been married for 10 years of their three-decade relationship, have been living apart since 2019.
Friends of the couple say they have separated on "friendly terms", with no suggestion of third-party involvement in the break-up.
The split comes as Guardiola, 53, continues his longest managerial spell at any club with Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra had been together since 1994
PA
Serra relocated to Barcelona in 2019 to oversee her family's fashion business, Serra Claret, which stocks several brands frequently worn by the City manager.
She took their youngest daughter Valentina, now 17, with her when she returned to Spain.
The long-distance arrangement has seen Guardiola remain in Manchester focused on his managerial duties, while making regular trips to Barcelona to visit his family.
A friend close to Guardiola told the Daily Mail: "I think they have grown apart.
"She left Manchester about five years ago to return to Barcelona.
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"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."
Another source emphasised the amicable nature of their separation, stating: "They have parted on friendly terms and I really don't think there is someone else involved."
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Pep Guardiola and Cristina Serra attended Wimbledon last year
PA
Despite their separation, Serra attended the Champions League final in Istanbul in June 2023 to congratulate Guardiola after City's victory over Inter Milan, which secured their historic Treble.
The couple were also photographed together at Wimbledon's All England Club in July.
Guardiola was spotted wearing his wedding ring on Tuesday as he prepared for City's match against Brentford, his first public appearance since news of the split emerged.
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Pep Guardiola met his wife while he was playing for Barcelona
Reuters
Guardiola and Serra's relationship began in Barcelona in 1994, when the former footballer was working as a model for designer Antonio Miro at her family's boutique.
The couple waited two decades before officially tying the knot in 2014.
Their relationship endured several relocations, including a move to Germany during Guardiola's time as Bayern Munich manager.
Together they have three children: Maria, 24, Marius, 22, and Valentina, 17.
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