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Hugo Viana played in England for Newcastle United Manchester City have confirmed director of football Txiki Begiristain will leave the club at the end of the season and be replaced by Sporting's Hugo Viana. BBC Sport reported last week that Spaniard Begiristain, 60, was set to leave after 12 years at the club. City released a statement on Saturday saying the club had enjoyed a "trophy-laden" time during Begiristain's time at the club. Since he took on the role in 2012, City have won seven Premier League titles, the Champions League for the first time, two FA Cups and six EFL Cups. "Txiki will leave his current post following the club's involvement in this summer's Fifa Club World Cup and will be succeeded by Hugo Viana of Sporting CP, " added the statement. "Viana will begin his full-time role in the summer of 2025, but will collaborate with Txiki in the preceding months to ensure a smooth transition. "We look forward to paying tribute to Txiki's outstanding contribution to Manchester City at the end of the season. " Begiristain was instrumental in bringing Pep Guardiola to the club as manager in 2016. He has been repeatedly praised by Guardiola for the work he has done behind the scenes with City's recruitment. The news comes as Guardiola enters the final months of his current contract and in a week where there has been a verdict in City's legal case against the Premier League over rules on commercial deals involving clubs' owners, with both sides claiming victory. That case is not directly related to the Premier League disciplinary commission which is underway into 115 charges against City for allegedly breaching its financial regulations, some of which date back to 2009. Viana made 39 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United between 2002 and 2005. His successful playing career which also saw him play as a midfielder in his native Portugal, Spain and the United Arab Emirates. He has won admirers for the work he has done at Sporting, helping them to win two league titles in his six-year spell at the club. In 2021 the club claimed their first league title in 19 years before lifting it for a second time after they regained the title last season. Viana has raised money for Sporting by securing good deals for players sold to Premier League clubs including Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United for £67. 7m and Matheus Nunes to Wolves for £42. 2m. Hugo Viana in action for Newcastle United against Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003 Latest Manchester City news, analysis and fan views Get Manchester City news sent straight to your phone Nations League: Doak makes first Scotland start in Croatia Women's Super League: Arsenal v Chelsea - live text Women's T20 World Cup: Bangladesh scrape to 106-3 against South Africa Bump, the funny, frank and heartwarming drama returns A-grade student Oly's life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly gives birth A brand new four-part stand-up comedy show A comedy series about what we can do to speed up climate change and bring a swift end to life on Earth Twisting, gripping legal drama featuring Adeel Akhtar A trial unfolds when a climate activist identifies a policeman after a fatal hit and run The inside story of the CIA New audio drama series starring Kim Cattrall and Ed Harris How can England use Bellingham, Foden and Palmer? 'He could be the next great' - meet the 14-year-old international keeper Will England face another 'shocking Test-match pitch' in Multan? 'Saleh wasn't the issue for the Jets, it's Rodgers' Who will be England's next permanent manager? Djokovic shocked by retirement of 'greatest rival' Nadal. Video Djokovic shocked by retirement of 'greatest rival' Nadal Stokes, the pitch and fast Carse - first-Test talking points Wales avoid relegation with first win in WXV2. Video Wales avoid relegation with first win in WXV2 Gardner takes three wickets in over against struggling Pakistan. Video Gardner takes three wickets in over against struggling Pakistan Inside Ineos & Ainslie's £100m America's Cup dream 'England's Wembley shambles a serious mis-step for Carsley' Untouchable or a support act? Ronaldo's 1, 000-goal quest continues No strikers & false nines - an experiment that ended in failure 'Starman' Baldock 'loveable, modest and unfailingly helpful' 'I was wild and messed up - I don't want others to make same mistakes' Why was 'the greatest match' so great? Relive Nadal's top 10 moments - and vote for your favourite A 24-hour party of pain - a day and night running round a track Arsenal's Mead and Williamson take on Honesty Cards. Video Arsenal's Mead and Williamson take on Honesty Cards Watch: Referee awards two bizarre penalties for handball. Video Watch: Referee awards two bizarre penalties for handball © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.