Pep Guardiola makes Barcelona return decision amid Manchester City uncertainty

Guardiola has just completed his eighth season at the Etihad Stadium, continuing a legendary spell that has seen him win 343 of his 472 matches in charge.

City have collected an incredible 17 pieces of silverware under his guidance, the latest being a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League trophy.

However, the Spaniard currently has just one year remaining on his contract and there have been suggestions that he is considering an exit from the club in 2025.

Should Guardiola leave the North-West giants, it would inevitably lead to speculation regarding his next move, with a move into international football a possibility.

A potential return to Barcelona has also lingered in the background, 12 years having passed since Guardiola enjoyed a legendary four-year stint at Camp Nou.

Guardiola rules out Barcelona reunion

Instead, the 53-year-old has moved to rule out ever taking on a second spell at the Spanish giants, despite his affiliation with the club as both a player and a coach.

Guardiola was speaking at a press conference at an annual golf tournament in Girona where he was naturally quizzed on if he would ever accept an offer from his former team.

He said: "It's a door that is closed. The Barça bench is one of the most complicated because you have to manage many cases.

"In Manchester everything we do remains inside and at Barça, everything comes out."

Guardiola quizzed on Xavi comparisons

When Xavi - another former Barcelona midfielder - was appointed as Barcelona boss in November 2021, comparisons were naturally made with Guardiola.

Although Xavi did not win the same level of silverware as Guardiola, he did lift the La Liga title in 2022-23, albeit after Barcelona used financial levers in order to bolster their squad during a time of turbulence behind the scenes.

On the comparisons, Guardiola added: "What is certain is that it's not my fault. That's for sure. I've been 11 or 12 years away from Barcelona.

"I'm not a suspect in that sense. Ask that to those that have made the comparisons, I haven't. I wish Xavi the best in finding a new challenge."

A report has since indicated that Xavi is now targeting a move to the Premier League.