Josep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra have reportedly separated after 30 years together. They married in 2014 but had been living apart for over five years, with Serra and their daughter Valentina in Barcelona while Guardiola stayed in Manchester. The couple, who met in 1994, maintained an amicable relationship, often seen together at events. The decision to separate was made in December 2023, with close friends and family aware but asked to keep it confidential. Despite the split, Guardiola continues to praise Serra and values her fashion advice, highlighting the respect they have for one another.
Josep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra have separated after 30 years together, according to reports in Spain.
Manchester City manager Guardiola, 53, and Serra married in an intimate ceremony on the outskirts of Barcelona in 2014, but have now decided to separate.
The news of their breakup was first reported by Spanish media outlet Sport. The couple, who met in 1994, had been separated for more than five years, with Serra returning to Barcelona with one of their three daughters, Valentina, 17, and Guardiola remaining in Manchester.
They have two other children: Maria, 24, and Marius, 22.
Guardiola and Brazilian journalist and author Serra remain a couple despite not living in the same city, and have been regularly photographed together in the years since.
According to Sports, the decision to end their marriage was made in December, with only close aides aware of the breakup. Their trusted friends and family members have also been told not to disclose any further information, the publication said.
Josep Guardiola has reportedly split from his wife of 30 years, Cristina Serra.
Guardiola, 53, and Serra first met in 1994 and married in an intimate ceremony in 2014.
Guardiola and Serra remained a couple despite not living in the same city (Photographed in Munich in 2013)
Serra had traveled to Istanbul to congratulate her husband in June 2023 after City completed the famous treble by defeating Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
The pair were also photographed attending Wimbledon together at the All England Club in July.
Guardiola often spoke about his wife in public. In January 2024, he said:My wife is the best in the world at many things, especially fashion.
“She usually tells me, don’t wear this, don’t wear that, and I do. When someone else is so much better than me, I don’t wear that. They are smart enough to follow the advice.”
Serra decided to leave Manchester in 2019 to help oversee her family’s fashion company, Serra Claret. The company has several brands that city managers often wear. Guardiola regularly visits Spain to see his wife and children.
Guardiola and Serra met when the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager was modeling for designer Antonio Miro in a shop in the Spanish city.
The pair began a long-distance relationship when Guardiola was a footballer, and later bought a house together in Barcelona. The couple then moved to Germany when Guardiola was managing Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Despite the breakup, the pair’s relationship is “completely amicable, stable and amicable,” according to Sports.
The couple built a house together in Barcelona and later moved to Germany when Guardiola took the Bayern job.
Photo of Guardiola and Serra attending Wimbledon at the All England Club in July 2024
Guardiola and Serra pose for photo with daughter Maria after City win the treble in Istanbul
Serra is regularly spotted celebrating with her husband on the pitch after City win major trophies.
Serra attended a Bundesliga match when Guardiola was manager of Bayern Munich
In May 2023, Guardiola said, “If only we had five more days.” [off] For example, yes [I can switch off from football].
“I went to Barcelona.” [after Real Madrid] For example, to see my wife and little daughter. It helps me. But every 3 days doesn’t give you a chance.
Guardiola expressed his frustration to the media ahead of Man City’s trip to Brentford on Tuesday.
The Spaniard looked visibly irritated when asked about City’s January transfer targets for Kyle Walker, who surprised the club by saying he wanted to leave.
Guardiola enjoyed success with Barcelona in 2008, turning the club into one of the best teams in Europe. He then moved to Bayern, before joining City in 2016 and leading the club to the treble in 2023.
The Spaniard has had a glittering career and led City to an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title last season.
Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension in November that will keep him at the Etihad until 2027, ending speculation over his future with City.
City have endured a poor campaign by their standards. The champions are at risk of missing out on a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League and sit sixth in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool.
Couple photographed at the 2018 PGA Championship Pro-Am in Wentworth, Surrey
Serra attended the FIFA Best of the Year award ceremony in London with Guardiola in January last year.
Guardiola has cut disappointing numbers this season as City endure a poor season.
The news comes after Guardiola launched a vitriolic attack on serial autograph hunters who targeted the Manchester City manager for his autograph near his home.
Guardiola has already attracted attention off the pitch this season after suffering a cut to his face in the dugout.
And Guardiola had a life lesson for would-be autograph hunters who asked him to autograph shirts and other memorabilia while walking through car parks near his home.
In a short and heated exchange, the impassioned Guardiola wastes no time in identifying two poachers who are trying to make money by selling merchandise with his autographs on them. instructed them to make better choices.
Bizarrely, Guardiola spent the day in Manchester city center telling what appeared to be middle-aged men to “go back to school” and venting his frustration at their actions.
A lively Guardiola, wearing a stylish hoodie and tracksuit combination, waved his arms in warning. “Don’t come again, I’ll never say it again, I know your faces.”
“Go to school and get ready. You are young, so don’t come here to waste your time,” Guardiola told the trophy hunters, who stood awkwardly clutching replica shirts. .
“Do you want to live your life doing this honestly?” he added. As the six-time Premier League-winning manager continued his rant, a depressed man could be heard quietly replying: “No, I was a chef.”
Coach Guardiola continued, “Let’s keep going.” Prepare better. Holy shit, this isn’t for everyone.
“What is your dream?” Tell me, what is it? Where do my friends dream? Practice, fucking hell, practice,” he added, urging onlookers to leave.
The video then ends with Guardiola seemingly leaving the scene red-faced and going about his business, dressed up as a surprise by the autograph hunters.