Manchester City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola, has reportedly taken a significant step in his personal life by securing a luxurious bachelor pad in Barcelona, following his separation from his wife of three decades, Cristina Serra.

The 53-year-old football strategist, who has been living separately from Cristina for some time now, has invested in an upscale residence in the prestigious Pedralbes neighborhood. This location is notably close to the £8.5 million family house he once shared with his estranged spouse, according to SunSport.

This new acquisition is being viewed as a symbolic move, signaling the conclusion of one of football’s most enduring and privately maintained marriages.

Inside the “refuge”

Reports from local sources describe Guardiola’s new abode as a personal “retreat,” crafted for tranquility, privacy, and introspection. The expansive home boasts sweeping views of the city, along with high-quality finishes that resonate with the Spaniard’s preference for a minimalist yet sophisticated aesthetic.

A source familiar with the situation shared with SunSport, “It’s a lavish residence with breathtaking views and refined interiors that reflect Pep’s distinctive taste.”

“The location offers both convenience and calm, near Barcelona’s vibrant center yet quiet enough for him to recharge after long days in football.”

Staying close to familiar roots

Interestingly, the new home is in the same exclusive neighbourhood where Guardiola and Cristina bought their first joint property in 2021.

Spanish showbiz journalists Laura Fa and Lorena Vázquez, known as “Las Mamarazzis”, who first reported on the couple’s split earlier this year, noted that Guardiola wanted to remain close to his old community.

Fa said, “The fact that Pep chose a house near his old family home shows he didn’t want to disconnect from the area he still considers home.”

Reports also indicate that divorce proceedings, initially described as “friendly,” have now moved to a “cordial” phase. The couple, who share three children, have managed to keep details of their separation largely private.