The beginning of the end for Guardiola?

Well the signs in the past week have certainly pointed to a possible departure.

On Friday, Pep Guardiola was asked whether the following day's visit to Wembley Stadium would be his 24th and last for a cup semi-final or final. He said "no way" because he has "one more year [on his contract]".

But the playful way in which he delivered that line and quick exit from the room raised a few eyebrows and only added to what was already mounting speculation.

City won the FA Cup for the third time under Guardiola by beating Chelsea on Saturday and, rather pointedly, he took a picture holding the trophy with each member of staff one by one.

The cameras also caught him wistfully looking into the distance when the trophy celebrations were taking place on the pitch - was he searching out a family member in the crowd or taking in his final moments at the national stadium?

City have not made any comment regarding the latest developments and head to Bournemouth on Tuesday, when Guardiola is certain to be asked about his future once again. Will he provide a definitive answer or point to "one more year" as he has done throughout this season?

Guardiola took charge of his 1,000th game as a manager back in November and may bring down the curtain on Sunday by leading City for the 593rd time - the most games for any manager in the club's history.

It would be a poetic way to bow out, whether the title is won or not.