Ex-Man City advisor reveals if Pep Guardiola exit and Premier League case were 'connected'

Pep Guardiola decided to step down as Manchester City manager long before the club were found guilty of breaching financial regulations.

That is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that there is simply no connection between the two.

Following the end of Guardiola's decade-long reign at the Etihad Stadium, in which he nearly walked away on numerous occasions, Amazon Prime released a behind-the-scenes documentary.

It captured the Catalan's final season in charge, and it was clear throughout the 2025-26 campaign that it would likely be his last.

However, with Guardiola's now returning to the Etihad for the Champions League clash against PSG - his first time back since stepping down - rumours about his exit have sparked.

Fans up and down the Premier League are convinced that he walked away, already knowing the outcome of Man City's charges, but this is being heavily disputed.

Pep Guardiola rumours shut down ahead of Man City return

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said adamantly that it "isn't what happened" and that he decided to leave "quite a long time ago".

"Well, it's just simply not true. There's not a lot to discuss. I mean, it's just... That isn't what happened," he said adamantly.

"If you watched the documentary, you can see that the decision to leave, I think for him, took place, in all likelihood, quite a long time ago.

"Whether it was finally, finally decided is one thing, but he was obviously very close to leaving for quite some time, and then ultimately left.

"I just don't think it was connected at all."

What has Guardiola said about Man City's charges?

Guardiola has been nothing but supportive since the guilty verdict, and supporters will love to see him back at the Etihad against PSG.

Speaking on the situation, the 55-year-old wrote: "I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever.

"I am, always have been, always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters.

"Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all," and he is certainly showing that by planning to make an appearance against PSG.