A press report revealed a surprising detail, stating that the UAE played a role in the separation of Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, who leads Manchester City, from his wife, Cristina Serra. The couple’s relationship lasted for thirty years.
Earlier reports suggested another reason for their split, claiming that Pep had an affair with a 28-year-old woman of Lebanese origin. He reportedly met her in 2021, and she frequently attended Manchester City matches at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep and Cristina began their relationship in 1994 when he was a young Barcelona player. Together, they have three children—Marius, Maria, and Valentina. The couple married in 2014, but rumors of their separation surfaced early this year.
UAE’s role in the separation
The French website “Foot Mercato,” citing the Spanish newspaper “El Periodico,” reported that Guardiola and Cristina had an agreement to leave Manchester and move with their family to live in the UAE.
However, Pep renewed his contract with Manchester City until 2027, breaking their agreement. This decision upset Cristina and became the turning point in their relationship, leading to their separation.
Cristina reportedly criticized Pep for dedicating too much time to his work at Manchester City and focusing more on football than on his family.
Living apart since 2019
Reports indicate that the couple had been living apart since 2019. Pep stayed in Manchester, while Cristina divided her time between Barcelona and London to manage her business activities.
The news of their separation came just days before Manchester City began experiencing poor results. On January 14, the team drew 0-0 against Brentford in the 21st round of the English Premier League.
