Breaking News: Pep Guardiola Set to Leave FC Barcelona

The first time he called it quits on Barcelona came through the natural process of retirement.

The second time around will likely be far harder, given the myriad success he's enjoyed managing his former club.

Pep Guardiola is reported to have informed the FC Barcelona brass that he is prepared to leave the club he's coached since 2008 in search of pastures greener, Guillem Balague reported on Thursday.

That news verified the rumors that had been swirling all season that Guardiola, whose contract expires in June, would seek new employment rather than continue coaching Barca.

Guardiola had a three-hour meeting with club president Sandro Rosell following the Blaugrana's shocking ouster in the Champions League semifinals at the hands of Chelsea on Tuesday.

That reverse coincided with a 2-1 loss, also at home, to Real Madrid in the Clasico this past weekend that put an end to any glimmering hope Barcelona had held of hoisting the La Liga winner's trophy for a fourth consecutive season.

A source close to the situation informed news outlet Reuters that Guardiola had told Rosell he planned to move on following the season. Rosell has asked his manager to sleep on the decision, and it is believed that there is an off chance that Guardiola might change his mind. 

A press conference is likely to take place on Friday, where Guardiola will inform both Barcelona and the world of what he will do next.

Reports have linked the 41-year-old, who has won the Champions League twice once gathered six trophies in a single year (2009), with moves to either Inter Milan or Chelsea.

Guardiola had waited as late as Feb. 8 of last year to renew his contract for this season—he's renewed his deal on an annual basis each season he's been in charge.

Perhaps the most shocking reports following this news is that Guardiola may succeed Fabio Capello and become the next manager of the English national team. Odds for that development narrowed to 14/1 on Thursday.

All that betting might be for naught, however. Oliver Kay, chief football correspondent for the Times Newspaper, has tweeted that "strong reports" are pointing to Guardiola taking a sabbatical should he step down from the managerial position.