Pellegrini says “sporting reasons” behind his decision to leave.
Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he will leave the club this summer, as Manchester City prepare to swoop in for his services.
The Chilean tactician is widely expected to be named the new City coach following Roberto Mancini’s dismissal earlier this month, and he will hope to build on the success he has enjoyed in Spain.
However, there is yet to be any official confirmation from either party as to whether he will be in charge later this summer, but he did reveal that Malaga would hold a special place in his life moving forward.
After three years in charge, Pellegrini will bid farewell to the supporters on Sunday against Deportivo and expects it to be an emotional goodbye.
“Professionally, I am living my final hours in Malaga. On Sunday I will take charge of my last game as Malaga coach at La Rosaleda. It will be very emotional, and we expect to leave the club qualified for Europe, with the mission completed and with the misfortune that the project changed,” he said at a ceremony on Wednesday morning, according to ESPN.
Pellegrini has previously had spells in charge at both Villarreal and Real Madrid, and has now hinted at becoming part of a project where he feels he can fulfil his sporting ambitions.
Speculation will undoubtedly intensify over his expected arrival in Manchester, but he was keen to stress his appreciation to the club he will be leaving behind, where he was certainly loved considering his leadership through testing times.
“The agreement with the club has been satisfactory and is appreciated. Each person has the right to keep to his own path. I am not leaving for financial reasons, but to a sporting project which allows me to feel fulfilled,” he added.
COMMENTS