Guardiola ends Chelsea’s interest by agreeing to Bayern Munich job

The German giants announced yesterday they had won the race for the coveted 41-year-old, who had been linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Guardiola had revealed his desire to one day coach in England, but the Spaniard’s next destination will be the Bundesliga after penning a deal which ties him to the Allianz Arena until June 2016.

He will replace current Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes in the summer, with the 67-year-old deciding to retire when his contract expires on June 30.

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “Pep Guardiola is one of the most successful coaches in the world and we are sure that he can make not just Bayern, but all of German football shine.”

AC Milan and Paris St Germain had also been reportedly interested in Guardiola, who is on a year-long sabbatical from the game since bringing the curtain down on his record-breaking four-year stint with Barcelona last summer.

Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with the man Blues owner Roman Abramovich is reputed to admire greatly, but Guardiola will no longer be an option when interim manager Rafael Benitez’s stint in charge finishes at the end of the season.

Bayern will be hoping Guardiola can repeat the incredible success he enjoyed at the Nou Camp, both as a player and as a coach.

After coming up through the youth ranks, the classy midfielder went on to captain the senior Barcelona side and during 11 seasons in the first team of his home city club he made 472 appearances.

He also helped Barcelona win a host of trophies, including their first European Cup title, six league crowns, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and two Copa del Reys.

Under coach Guardiola, Barca established themselves as the dominant force in club football.

Boasting the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, Barcelona won 14 trophies, comprising two Champions League crowns, three Primera Division trophies, two Copa del Reys, three Supercopas, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups, during Guardiola’s tenure.