Pep Guardiola will become Manchester City manager in the summer, the Premier League club have announced.
The Bayern Munich coach, who started his managerial career with a trophy-laden spell at Barcelona, will take the reins from current manager Manuel Pellegrini, who will depart at the end of the season.
Guardiola has signed a three-year contract and will start his role in July, in time for the 2016-17 season.
The announcement ends considerable speculation linking the Spaniard with the two-time Premier League champions.
It represents a significant coup, with Guardiola widely considered to be one of the best coaches in the game.
He had also been linked with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, but City were always perceived to be the favourites to capture him.
The club said in a statement announcing the move: “Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC head coach for the 16/17 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 Pellegrini, 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.”
Guardiola announced in December he would be leaving Bayern at the end of the season, with the intention of coaching in England.
The 45-year-old has won numerous domestic titles with the German side since taking over in 2013, but success in the Champions League has eluded them.
Guardiola won 14 trophies in four years at Barcelona (2008-2012) – including two Champions League titles.
Pellegrini took over at Manchester City in 2013, and won the Premier League and League Cup in his first season.
His side currently sit second in the league behind Leicester, and are in the running for four trophies.
