It is something of a surprise move for the former Barcelona manager, who had been linked with English Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City, and said today that he relished the “challenge” of coaching in England.
“FC Bayern today announces that head coach Jupp Heynckes has decided to retire when his current contract expires on 30 June 2013,” a statement on Bayern’s website reveals. “In his place, the club has appointed Pep Guardiola as head coach for three years from 1 July 2013.”
Guardiola has been on a season-long sabbatical since leaving Barca in May 2012, after winning 14 trophies – including two Champions League titles.
Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "Pep Guardiola is one of the most successful coaches in the world and we are sure that he can make not just Bayern, but all of German football shine."
Bayern are currently nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, and are up against Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League next month.


