MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola and his estranged wife Cristina Serra have begun divorce proceedings – and are even using the same lawyer.
The couple announced their shock split in January after agreeing to end their 30-year relationship at showdown talks in Barcelona.
But they are determined to avoid an ugly court battle and remain on such good terms they will share the same legal team.
Sources say they have already agreed the initial terms of a multi-million pound settlement agreement that could be finalised in a matter of weeks.
Pep’s extraordinarily rare “one couple, one lawyer” divorce means the formal end of their marriage will not be contested by either side.
Respected Spanish journalist Lorena Vazquez, who broke the story of their split, revealed: “They want it above all to be friendly for the sake of their children.
“As you can imagine money is not going to be an issue and they have already agreed the initial terms to make sure this separation is the most cordial possible.
“They have a very good relationship, so much so that the same lawyer is arranging the whole thing.
“The divorce is on the way and is being left in the hands of people with their absolute trust.”
She told Spanish TV programme ‘Y Ahora Sonsoles’ the couple split after Pep signed a two-year extension at the Etihad to keep him at City until 2027.
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Since then his reigning champions have been in freefall amid his worst spell as a manager.
City are 20 points adrift of league leaders – and Champions-elect Liverpool – after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Arne Slot’s side on Sunday.
But as he begins the mammoth task of rebuilding his side, pals insist Pep is still clinging onto hope of an unlikely reconciliation.
He has previously been pictured wearing his wedding ring in a sign that he has not yet given up.
But sources say he is “more amenable” to the idea than fashion entrepreneur Cristina.
Their marriage is said to have hit the rocks five years ago after Cristina decided to return to Barcelona alone.
Since then they have lived separate lives as Pep chased sporting immortality in Manchester.
The couple first met when an 18-year-old Pep went to a fashion store owned by Cristina’s family to model some outfits by Spanish designer Antonio Miro.
At the time, he was playing for Barcelona’s B team, while she was an actress who had appeared on Spanish TV.
Pep’s sister Francesca once said: “He was very handsome, a good student, always getting good marks, the teachers drooled over him, he was already seductive when he was little.”
Cristina gave up acting to concentrate on her successful clothing business and is now said to be worth over £30million.
Meanwhile, Pep established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation, winning multiple titles with Barcelona’s first team, before entering management.
He became the youngest manager to win the Champions League in 2009, lifting the most sought-after trophy in his first season in charge of Barcelona’s first team.
The demands of day-to-day management took their toll though, and in 2012 he quit as boss in order to take a year out.
He admitted: “I’m drained and I need to fill up.”
Cristina has since said she was “feeling great” after news of their split emerged but has refused to speak publicly about the break up.
Their influencer daughter Maria, 24, recently opened up about the lessons her parents have taught her.
She told a Spanish magazine: “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, there is always something valuable to learn from each person we meet.”
