Pep Guardiola’s daughter Maria gives emotional interview on ‘feeling loved’ after parents split up after 30 years
PEP Guardiola’s eldest daughter has broken her silence following the Manchester City manager’s shock “split” from his wife Cristina Serra.
Model and influencer Maria gave an emotional interview about feeling loved and the important lessons from her parents’ relationship.
Barcelona-based newspaper Sport reported that Guardiola and wife Cristina decided to end their relationship in December while both in Spain.
The report claims they have been living apart for nearly five years after Cristina moved back to Barcelona to run her fashion company while Pep remained at his luxury apartment in Manchester’s Deansgate.
The sweethearts, who were together for three decades and married in 2014, are yet to comment on the separation after it was revealed on Monday night.
But Pep’s daughter Sophia is the first family member to reveal details about their relationship and her loving family life growing up.
The 24-year-old fashionista told Vanity Fair: “My parents have always advised me to find what I am passionate about.
“They encourage me to try new things, to accept failure and to keep searching until I find my calling, because when I do, full dedication will come naturally.
“They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.
“In the end it all comes down to feeling loved. Even in situations where we feel out of place, they tell me to listen carefully to others.
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“There is always something valuable to learn from each person we meet.”
A close family friend was quoted yesterday claiming their marriage ended because Pep is a “total workaholic”.
Maria did not comment on her parent’s split and no reason for the divorce has been given.
But she referenced her dad’s dedication to his career in her magazine interview by saying: “My father was already playing when I was born.
“All our movements have focused on his career, first as a player and then as a coach. Soccer has shaped much of our family’s journey.
“In many ways, my family and I owe our lives and opportunities to this sport and, of course, to my father’s exceptional talent and passion.”
Admitting to inheriting her dad’s “stubbornness” she added: “When we set our minds to something, we pursue it with tunnel vision until we achieve it.”
Guardiola let rip at his own goalkeeper Stefan Ortega before then violently hugging him following his side’s 2-2 draw with Brentford last night.
The 53-year-old was absolutely livid on the touchline as the camera caught him kicking a Gtech advertisement near the stands of the Gtech Community Stadium.
The ex-Barcelona boss has been enduring a turbulent campaign that has seen the Citizens drop down to sixth place in the Premier League table.
Still sporting his wedding ring, Guardiola would have loved to see his stuttering team register three points.
During better times in Manchester, where he won a record four straight Prem titles and a historic Champions League, Cristina decided to continue on her family’s business back in Spain.
She and the couple’s youngest child Valentina moved back to Barcelona in 2019 so that the Brazilian journalist turned fashion designer could help continue her family boutique Serra-Claret.
The boutique line, which stocks a number of expensive designer labels, was first opened in 1933.
Cristina has been living in a villa in Pedralbes, an exclusive neighbourhood in the hills surrounding Barcelona.
The property, which the couple bought in 2021 for £8.55million, lies within an enclave of three villas where neighbouring properties have sold previously for around £20million.
Guardiola is believed to have met Cristina in her family’s clothes store called Serra Claret when he was just 18.
He was modelling for designer Antonio Miro in Serra’s shop when he first met Cristina.
And even as recently as January 2024, the former midfielder revealed Cristina helps pick out his matchday outfits.
Serra Claret stock many brands he has worn on the touchline, such as Dsquared2, CP Company and Armani.
Sport say their relationship is still “cordial, stable and friendly” despite deciding to part ways.