Pep Guardiola to Manchester City - club statement in full

"These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012."

Outgoing Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola (Getty Images)

Manchester City have confirmed that Manuel Pellegrini will leave the club at the end of the season and will be replaced by Pep Guardiola.

The 45-year-old's arrival has been mooted ever since he announced that this would be his last season as head coach of Bayern Munich.

Guardiola, who had also been linked with positions at rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, has chosen to reunite with directors Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, whom he worked with at Barcelona.

The club's statement in full

"Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalized contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC Head Coach for the 2016/17 EPL season onwards.

"The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012.

"Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the Club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation.

"Manuel, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the Club."