Josep Guardiola’s daughter has shed light on her parents’ marital problems with a comment. According to reports, the Manchester City manager’s wife has moved out of his parents’ home. Spanish media have hinted at growing tensions between Pep, who is in his 10th year at Etihad, and Cristina Serra, his wife of 30 years.
According to the Spanish podcast Mamaratzis, the two have been living separately since 2019, and the strain of their long-distance relationship is starting to take its toll. Cristina remains in Barcelona, where she runs her fashion business Serra Claret, while Pep lives in a luxury £2.7 million flat in Salford. Christina was said to be upset when Pep reneged on his promise to move to the UAE and instead opted to sign a lucrative new contract with City that will keep him in the north of England until 2027.
Since then, the couple has been seeing each other more and more rarely, with momarazzi reporting that they haven’t seen each other recently. Now Christina has reportedly packed her bags and moved out of her £8.5million villa in Barcelona.
Mamaratsis host Lorena Vázquez revealed that her mother moved alone to an apartment in Barcelona’s trendy Eixample district.
“It’s a modest house compared to what she can afford,” she told Antena 3 program Y Ahora Sonsoles.
But fears of a hostile and bitter separation seem misplaced. “They are leaving the door open to reconciliation,” Vazquez added.
“One day, once Pep retires from football and returns to Barcelona, they may resume their relationship. It’s an amicable and well-thought-out separation without any drama, fights or involvement of a third party.”
Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that City are already preparing for their eventual departure as manager, with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca being named as his successor.
Pep’s daughter Maria gave an insight into the personal life of one of football’s greatest tactical minds in a chat with Vanity Fair.
Due to her father’s impressive career as a player and coach, Maria has lived in Barcelona, Rome, Brescia, Qatar, Mexico, New York, Munich, Manchester and London.
“Moving so often gave me a lot of confidence, which I don’t think I would have had any other way at such a young age. I also fondly remember sports being a big part of my childhood.”
“Following my dad to games around the world has created some special memories and brought our family closer together.”
But she also shed light on some of the challenges their unique lifestyles bring.
“Considering my parents’ busy schedules, we didn’t get to see each other much,” she confessed with some sadness.
“Every move we make has revolved around his career, first as a player and then as a coach. Soccer has shaped much of our family’s journey.”
