Renowned football manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing to leave his luxurious £8.5 million family mansion in Barcelona following his unexpected split from wife Cristina Serra. The couple, who had been together for 30 years, decided to part ways, according to reports from Spain on Monday evening.
Guardiola, 52, and Cristina, a successful fashion entrepreneur, have three grown-up children: Maria, 24; Marius, 22; and Valentina, 17. The family has long been associated with their stunning four-storey home in Barcelona’s elite neighborhood, which Guardiola has used as his base when visiting the Catalan capital from Manchester.
Now, with the separation confirmed, Cristina is expected to remain in the sprawling mansion, while Guardiola’s future living arrangements in Barcelona remain unclear.
Also Read:
- Pep Guardiola and Wife Cristina Serra Separate After 30 Years Together
- Spanish Sports Council Grants Olmo and Victor Temporary Clearance to Play for Barcelona
The Iconic Barcelona Mansion
Guardiola purchased the mansion in February 2021 for €10 million (£8.4 million) through a company he co-owned with Cristina. The property, formerly owned by Guardiola’s ex-teammate Rafa Márquez, occupies more than 22,000 square feet of land and includes an 8,000-square-foot house.
Located near Carretera de les Aigües, a popular six-mile dirt track on the outskirts of Barcelona, the mansion boasts a large swimming pool and other luxurious amenities. Spanish news outlet El Confidencial described it as “the perfect place for a separation without anyone discovering when you leave or enter.”
Although the couple reportedly spent Christmas together at the mansion with their children, El Confidencial noted that the property symbolized their “physical distancing” after Cristina moved back to Barcelona in 2021.
When not in Barcelona, Guardiola resides in the Deansgate CitySuites in central Manchester. The 16-storey building features 237 one- and two-bedroom apartments, equipped with modern kitchens and spacious living areas. Guardiola’s residence reportedly spans two privately-owned floors, providing him with a comfortable retreat away from his demanding role as manager of Manchester City.
What’s Next for Guardiola?
With the separation now public, Guardiola’s next steps remain a topic of speculation. Known for his close ties to Barcelona, the mansion purchase initially fueled rumors of a potential return to the city, especially following Joan Laporta’s election as president of FC Barcelona.
While Cristina continues her life in Barcelona, Guardiola may divide his time between Manchester and other accommodations in the Catalan capital.
This development marks a personal shift for one of football’s most celebrated figures, who continues to lead Manchester City with remarkable success.