Pep Guardiola has declared his trust in Manchester City as he prepares to leave the club before any verdict is reached on the 115 charges alleging breaches of Premier League financial rules.

Guardiola announced on Friday that he will step down as City manager after a decade at the helm — a tenure that produced 20 trophies, including both the FA Cup and EFL Cup this season.

The charges still unresolved

In February 2023, following a four-year investigation, City were charged and referred to an independent commission over alleged financial rule breaches said to have occurred between 2009 and 2018. The Premier League contends the club failed to provide accurate financial information reflecting a true and fair view of their financial position.

City have strongly denied all charges, insisting their case is backed by a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence." Three years on, the independent commission has yet to deliver a ruling.

Guardiola stands by the club

Asked why he has defended the club so consistently throughout his tenure, Guardiola was direct in his response.

"I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did. What happened, happened."

Guardiola took charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016. While there is no suggestion the Spaniard had any knowledge of the alleged wrongdoing, his arrival overlaps by two years with the period under scrutiny. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager acknowledged that a resolution would eventually come, adding: "There will be a resolution, but nobody from the staff, of the backroom staff or mainly the players and the manager was here."

What comes next for Guardiola

The 55-year-old will transition into an ambassador role for City Football Group, the parent organisation of which Manchester City are a part. He has indicated he plans to rest and will not return to coaching "for a while."

When asked whether he would return to Manchester for a press conference once the charges are resolved, Guardiola offered a characteristically elusive response: "If you find me, yeah, but that will be difficult."