Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola today announced he would be standing down at the end of the season to "recharge his batteries" with his assistant Tito Vilanova confirmed as his replacement.
Guardiola, who has presided over a period of unprecedented success at the Nou Camp - the club have claimed 13 trophies in his four years at the helm, admitted he has been pondering his future for some time.
At a press conference, he said: "I would like you to understand that this is not an easy decision for me. But I would like to explain my reasons for this decision.
"I have always wanted short-term contracts. Four years is an eternity as Barca coach. In the month of October I announced to the president and to the sporting director that I thought my spell was coming to an end.
"The main reason why I have taken this decision is because four years is many years.
"I have given everything and I have nothing left and need to recharge my batteries.
"The demands have been great and I have not been able to rest much. I have to recover and the only way I can do that is by distancing myself. Otherwise, we would have ended up damaging each other.
"I know that I'm leaving the best place to work in. I am very satisfied with the result we have achieved. I have had the great privilege of coaching fantastic players. I want to thank them."
