Pep Guardiola’s marriage ended because ‘he is a total workaholic’ and it ‘took a toll’ on his relationship, a close friend of the Manchester City boss has told MailOnline.
Guardiola has split from his fashion designer wife Cristina Serra after being together for three decades, it was revealed on Monday night – with no reason for the separation being given.
But now one friend close to Pep, who did not want to be named, said: “I think they have grown apart. She left Manchester about five years ago to return to Barcelona. That has taken its toll.
“He is a total workaholic and not being involved in their family fashion business together may have affected their relationship too.”
Cristina moved back to Barcelona in 2019 with their youngest daughter Valentina, now 17, so she could help run her family’s designer clothes boutique.
Despite the 860 miles between Manchester and the Catalan capital, their relationship appeared to the public eye to remain on good terms.
The pair were often pictured together enjoying a dinner out together or with their three children.
Yet the long-distance now appears to have taken its toll coinciding with the worst run in Peps’ golden career after a record four straight Premier League titles and a historic Champions League win.
Man City fans expressed concern about their manager after he had a number of outbursts including a joke about self harming and several furious rows with fans on and off the pitch.
Batting off any allegations of infidelity the source added: ‘They have parted on friendly terms and I really don’t think there is someone else involved.’
Earlier on Tuesday he was seen for the first time since news broke of his separation from his wife.
The reigning Premier League champions arrived in London ahead of their clash against Brentford on Tuesday night.
Guardiola was seen wearing his wedding ring amid reports from Spain of his split from Serra.
