Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and his alienated wife Cristina Serra started a divorce procedure – and even use the same lawyer.
The couple announced their shock splitting in January after agreing to end their 30-year relationship at Showdown conversations in Barcelona.
But they are determined to prevent an ugly lawsuit and to stay on such good conditions that they will share the same legal team.
Sources say that they have already agreed the first conditions of a settlement agreement of several millions of pounds that could be completed within a few weeks.
Pep's extraordinary rare “one pair, one lawyer” separation means that the formal end of their marriage will not be disputed by both sides.
Reaged Spanish journalist Lorena Vazquez, who broke the story of their split, revealed: “They want to be especially friendly because of their children.
“Because you can imagine that money will not be a problem and they have already agreed the first conditions to ensure that this separation is the most cordial possible.
“They have a very good relationship, so much so that the same lawyer arranges the whole thing.
“The divorce is on the road and is left in the hands of people with their absolute confidence.”
She told the Spanish TV program 'Y Ahora Sonsoles' that the couple split after Pep had signed an extension of two years in the Etihad to keep it in the city until 2027.
Since then, his reigning champions are in free fall in the midst of his worst enchantment as a manager.
Stad is 20 points on a drift of competition leaders – and champions – elected Liverpool – after a 2-0 home defeat on the side of Arne Slot on Sunday.
But while he starts with the huge task to rebuild his side, Pals insists that Pep still holds on to the hope of an unlikely reconciliation.
He is previously depicted with his wedding ring in a plate that he has not yet given up.
But sources say that he is “more susceptible” to the idea than fashion entrepreneur Cristina.
Their marriage would have hit the rocks five years ago after Cristina decided to return to Barcelona alone.
Since then they have led a separate lives while Pep chased sporting immortality in Manchester.
The couple met for the first time when an 18-year-old Pep went to a fashion store of Cristina's family to model some outfits from the Spanish designer Antonio Miro.
At the time, he played for the Beam of Barcelona, while she was an actress who had appeared on Spanish TV.
Pep's sister Francesca once said: “He was very handsome, a good student, always good grades, the teachers drooled over him, he was already seductive when he was little.”
Cristina gave up to concentrate on her successful clothing company and would now be worth more than £ 30 million.
In the meantime, Pep established himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation and won several titles with the first team of Barcelona before he enters management.
He became the youngest manager who won the Champions League in 2009 and kicked the most sought after trophy in his first season to lead the first team of Barcelona.
However, the demands of daily management took their toll and in 2012 he stopped as a boss to take a year.
He admitted: “I am empty and I have to fill full.”
Cristina has since said that she “felt great” after the news about their split came into existence, but has refused to publicly speak of the falling apart.
Their influencer daughter Maria, 24, has recently been opened about the lessons that her parents have taught her.
She told a Spanish magazine: “My parents have always advised me to find what I am passionate about.
“They encourage me to try new things, accept failure and keep looking until I find my calling, because if I do that, full dedication will come naturally.
“They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.
“In the end it all comes down to feel loved.
“Even in situations where we feel out of place, they tell me that I have to listen to others carefully, there is always something valuable to learn from every person we meet.”
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