The publicized separation of Catalan coach Pep Guardiola from his wife of 30 years, Cristina Serra, has caused an uproar. Although information regarding the end of the couple’s relationship is leaking out like a dropper, their eldest daughter Maria breaks her silence and reveals what led her parents to the decision to go their separate ways in life.
First interview
In her first interview, model and influencer Maria Guardiola spoke fondly of her parents – joking that she inherited her father’s “stubbornness” while her “confidence and sense of independence” comes from her mother.
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The 24-year-old’s mother and father, who have been together for three decades and married in 2014, are yet to comment on the split after it was revealed on Monday night.
Maria, who has two younger siblings, Marius, 22, and Valentina, 17, grew up moving from city to city – she was born in Barcelona before moving to Rome, New York, Munich, Manchester and now London.
“Following my father around the world to watch games has given me special memories and brought the family together,” he explained to Vanity Fair, adding: “I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had. Although it was challenging at times, my parents eased the transitions and helped my siblings and I take advantage of opportunities.”
His workaholicism is to blame
Maria has not commented on her parents’ split and no reason has been given for the split, but on Tuesday a friend of Pep’s told MailOnline that his workaholic nature was to blame.
“I think the couple had drifted apart. He left Manchester around three years ago to return to Barcelona. That came at a price,” said the source, who asked not to be named.
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‘She is a complete workaholic and not being involved in the family fashion business together may have affected their relationship as well.’
Indeed, in 2016, the Manchester City boss admitted he was sometimes “in his own world” thinking about his team’s tactical decision for the next game.
“My family knows I’m there, but I’m not there. Sometimes I’m at home, but I’m not at home,” he told The Times in 2016. “They’re calling ‘Pep, Pep’ but they know I’m in my own world.
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Even when he was playing for Barcelona FC, his teammates nicknamed him ‘Perfecto’ due to his obsession with the game and his disapproval of teammates who put their social life above all else. A few years ago his friend Manel Estiarte said: “You invite him to eat in a restaurant, but after 32 minutes you see that his mind was already elsewhere. He starts looking at the ceiling and although he nods like he’s listening, he doesn’t look at you. He’s actually probably thinking about the opposition left back, the marking system of the midfielder, how well the wing forwards can support the inside forwards.”
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However, it is not clear when his daughter Maria conducted the Vanity Fair interview, however it is believed to have taken place after her parents decided to divorce.
“We owe our lives to football”
Reflecting on how her father’s career had shaped the family’s life, she added: “My father was already acting when I was born. All our moves were focused on his career, first as a player and then as a coach. Soccer has shaped much of our family’s path. In many ways, my family and I owe our lives and opportunities to this sport and, of course, to my father’s extraordinary talent and passion.”
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And as Pep’s career continued to flourish, winning a record four consecutive Premier League titles and a historic Champions League triumph, Cristina decided to continue the family business back in Spain.
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Cristina and the couple’s youngest child moved back to Barcelona in 2019 so the Brazilian journalist-turned-fashion designer could help continue the Serra-Claret family boutique.
The boutique chain, which carries a range of expensive designer brands, first opened in 1933.
Several celebrities have recently visited the stores, including Colombian singer Shakira and former Spanish soccer professional Andrés Iniesta.
Cristina and her sister Judith currently run the original store in Manresa, a town north of Barcelona, and a newer boutique in the center of Barcelona.
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Source: www.enikos.gr
