Ethihad North Stand to be renamed "The Pep Guardiola Stand"
A statue of the manager will also be placed outside the stadium
Manchester City have announced the newly expanded North Stand at the Etihad Stadium will be renamed The Pep Guardiola Stand.
The stand will be fully open for the first time during the club’s final game of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The club said the honour was bestowed by owner Sheikh Mansour in recognition of Guardiola’s contribution during his 10 years in charge.
A statue of the manager will also be commissioned and placed outside the stand.
New focal point at the Etihad Stadium
The Pep Guardiola Stand will sit at the end of Joe Mercer Way and form part of the wider redevelopment at the Etihad Campus.
The expansion adds more than 7,000 seats to the stadium, increasing the overall capacity to more than 61,000.
The development also includes a new fan area called Medlock Square, a 401-room hotel, a new club museum, shops, offices, restaurants and bars.
Sheikh Mansour praises Guardiola’s impact
“I said a long time ago that Manchester City should have the very best people at its disposal, both on and off the field. For ten years Pep has been the personification of that ambition," Sheikh Mansour said.
“He has made an indelible imprint on the DNA of the Club. One that is borne more from how he won than from the many trophies he lifted.
“He has the unending gratitude of myself and the entire City family, a family of which he will always be part.”
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said the renamed stand and statue would ensure Guardiola’s legacy remains part of the club and the city.
“The Pep Guardiola Stand, and the statue that will sit outside it, rightly ensure that Pep's legacy will remain forever woven into the fabric of this football club, the city of Manchester and English football," he said.
“The unique relationship that he has with our fans has been earned through the honesty and passion of his ten seasons fighting to bring them success. The Pep Guardiola Stand is a fitting and permanent reminder of that relationship, the most successful period in our Club's history, and the unique football genius at its heart.”
Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano said Sunday would be an opportunity for supporters to celebrate Guardiola’s achievements.
“It is wholly appropriate that the occasion of Pep’s final game as Manchester City Manager will also be the afternoon that the wonderful new Pep Guardiola Stand of the Etihad Stadium will hold 7,000 more City fans for the very first time," he said.
“Sunday will be an opportunity for everyone to celebrate his achievements. Sheikh Mansour’s permanent marking of Pep’s incredible legacy will give City fans the opportunity to acknowledge Pep’s legend every single time they visit our stadium.”