City target Manuel Pellegrini confirms exit from Málaga

Manuel Pellegrini has cleared the way for a move to Manchester City by announcing he is to leave Málaga at the end of the Spanish league season.

The Chilean coach has been lined up to replace Roberto Mancini by City's chief executive, Ferran Soriano, and sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, with his appointment due to be ratified early next month. Málaga have two league fixtures to play, at home to Deportivo La Coruña on Sunday and away at Barcelona, who have also been linked with Pellegrini, on 1 June. At a function to mark his successful tenure as Málaga coach the 59-year-old confirmed they will be his last with the club.

"Professionally, I am living my last hours in Málaga," said Pellegrini. "On Sunday I will manage my last game as Málaga coach at La Rosaleda. It will be a very emotional occasion and we hope to leave with the club qualified for Europe, with the mission completed and with the misfortune that the project changed. The agreement with the club has been gratifying and satisfactory. Everyone has the right to continue on their own path. I am not leaving because of financial ambition but because of a sporting project that will allow me to feel fulfilled."