EXHAUSTED Pep Guardiola will walk away from the Nou Camp at the end of the season - because he is tired of Barcelona.

The Spaniard confirmed his exit in a solemn Press conference this afternoon in front of a number of his star-studded players.

Tito Vilanova, Guardiola's assistant, will take charge of the Catalan giants next term.

Guardiola 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 and I want to thank them." 

Guardiola's contract was due to expire at the end of June and he informed the players at training today that he would not be extending his stay. 

The 41-year-old stepped up from Barca B manager to first-team boss in 2008 and has gone on to become the most successful coach in the club's illustrious history. 

He has led them to two Champions League crowns, three La Liga trophies, one Copa del Rey, three Supercopas, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.

STEPPING UP ... Tito Vilanova will take over as Barcelona manager in the summer

Barca president Sandro Rosell thanked Guardiola "for bringing a model of football that can never be questioned". 

And Rosell went on to announce that Vilanova would step up into the top job in the summer.

Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said: "We've always said that if the team needs players, we look at home first. Who do we have here at home? Tito."

Former central midfielder Vilanova, 42, had an unassuming playing career, making just 26 appearances in La Liga.

He was appointed assistant manager at Barcelona B in 2007 under Guardiola and, after the duo led the reserve side to promotion, they both moved to the first team in 2008.

Vilanova's most memorable incident to date came last August, when Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho poked him in the eye after Barca's victory in the Spanish Super Cup. 

Endorsing the move to promote his No2, Guardiola said: "I think the club has taken the best decision possible. 

"He is more than capable and the players know him. He will make few changes. He will give the club and these players something that I thought I could no longer give. 

"I could have continued but is not what Barca would have deserved." 

Rosell hailed Guardiola's contribution and backed Vilanova to continue Barca's success. 

He said: "Pep always takes the best decision for this club. It was his decision and it's a personal one and an understandable one. 

"We hope to follow the inheritance that Pep leaves us with the best we can. He has made us proud. 

"Now we can confirm that Tito will be our new coach. This was a decision taken by Andoni Zubizarreta and it has been ratified today by our executive committee. 

"Tito and Andoni will now work on next season's planning and I am sure they will do a good job." 

Source: The Sun