Pep Guardiola swerves question on future at Manchester City after FA Cup final victory - 'What rumours? Have a lovely evening'

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Pep Guardiola dodged a question over his future following Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup final on Saturday.

Highlights: Sublime Semenyo wins FA Cup for Man City

Video credit: TNT Sports

When asked by TNT Sports about the ru mours this could be his final season as City manager, Guardiola's reply failed to quash the speculation.

"What rumours? Have a lovely evening," the Spaniard said with a smile, before ending the interview.

It came after Guardiola's side prevailed over Chelsea at Wembley, thanks to a delightful backheeled effort from Antoine Semenyo.

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The latest trophy won by City is their 20th with Guardiola as manager.

It was also their second title of the season having won the Carabao Cup earlier this year. It means that City become the second team to win a second domestic cup double, joining Liverpool as the only sides to achieve the feat.

Saturday's FA Cup title victory is the third time Guardiola has won the famous competition. It was also his 46th victory in the FA Cup since arriving in 2016, nine more wins than the next best team during that period.

Watch: Man City ‘legends’ Stones and Silva lift club’s eight Emirates FA Cup trophy

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The Spaniard has won six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups and a UEFA Champions League with City.

City could add another trophy this season, but will need Arsenal to slip up for them to win the Premier League title.

But with rumours speculating this could be the final few games of Guardiola's time in Manchester, next season's outlook looks uncertain for the team.

And Guardiola's refusal to give a concrete answer over his future left the TNT Sports pundits puzzled as to what happens next.

"I still don't think he's made his mind up. I genuinely think it could go either way," Joe Cole said.

Steven Gerrard added: "I just don't think he's ready to give any announcement. He's got big games ahead and he just wants to enjoy this moment.

"He's got a parade coming up and he's got two huge league games to prepare for. He's earned the right to do it on his terms, and he'll do it when he's ready."

Joe Hart said Guardiola's response "speaks a thousand words", in his opinion.

"But he's got so much to focus on and so much to be grateful for. They will deal with all that come next Sunday," he said.

Guardiola signed a contract extension last season with his new deal running out in 2027.

There is already going to be a different feel to the team next year, with John Stones and Bernardo Silva both confirming they will leave after the final game.

Semenyo reflects on 'cheeky' FA Cup final goal and working under 'mad man' Guardiola

Video credit: TNT Sports

And after adding another FA Cup to their trophy cabinet, the pair paid tribute to Guardiola and the impact he has had on their footballing careers.

Silva credited Guardiola with changing "the way I see football," and Stones echoed his team-mate's sentiment.

"I'll miss his passion and the standards he sets without even knowing," Stones told TNT Sports. "You go into training and always try to better yourself, learn and compete for your place. The winning mentality is like nothing I've ever seen."

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