Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that he will leave Spanish outfit Malaga at the end of the season amid reports that he is to replace Roberto Mancini as manager of Manchester City.
Italian Mancini was relieved of his duties last week after City had lost in the final of the FA Cup to Wigan Athletic at Wembley.
Even before the news of Mancini's sacking had broken, Pellegrini had been strongly linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium during the summer.
While he has not confirmed his next job, the 59-year-old revealed that he is keen to secure a role that will lead him to "feel fulfilled".
"My coaching staff and I are separating from Malaga but are union with this city will be eternal. I am going for sporting reasons. Professionally, I'm living my last hours in Malaga. This Sunday will be my last game as coach of Malaga in La Rosaleda," he told Spanish reporters.
"It will be a very strong emotion and I hope to leave the club qualified for Europe with the mission accomplished and the misfortune of the project changed. Agreement with the club has been rewarding and satisfying. Everyone has the right to move on. I'm not looking for economic ambitions but a sports project that allows me to feel fulfilled."
Reports have suggested that City will announce the hiring of Pellegrini early next month.
Liam Apicella
