London, Jan 17 : Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has snubbed English Premier League clubs, hounding for his signature, to agree to a three-year deal to become manager of German giants Bayern Munich from next season.

Guardiola's decision to return to management in the German Bundesliga despite huge interest from England, led by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, has implications across the Premier League, where Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal were also watching his next move closely, the Daily Mirror reports.

The move hugely strengthens Rafael Benitez's position at Chelsea, where he is interim manager. He now has a better chance of persuading the owner, and supporters who have rejected him, that he is the long-term choice, the paper said.

It also marks a significant victory for Manchester City's Roberto Mancini, who will now feel more secure in his position at the Etihad, having seen off potential competition from both Guardiola and José Mourinho, the paper added. (ANI)