7 facts about Pep Guardiola's ex wife, Cristina Serra

Though Pep Guardiola is a well-known football coach and their marriage has greatly propelled her to success, Cristina Serra's life transcends mere "celebrity spouse" status. She is a successful designer in her own right, a quiet but strong family matriarch, and strongly rooted in the fashion business.

She might have succeeded in keeping her personal life secret, but her skills and background have sufficed to inspire every woman. 

Among the less well-known events and nuances of her life are the background of her fashion family, her life-and-death encounter during a terrorist attack, the mix of cross-cultural origins, and her flexibility shown by several moves. 

Among these apparently everyday chores are some incredible truths that paint a picture of a strong, independent, and remarkable woman. Low-key but multifarious, Cristina Serra has written her own story outside of the public view. These ten interesting facts will help explain her background, achievements, and life highlights. 

1. Terror attack survivor

Many were appalled and saddened by the May 22, 2017, terrorist incident at the Manchester Arena. American singer Ariana Grande performed that evening at the event Cristina Serra attended with her two daughters. 

A suicide bomber detonated outside the exit just as the concert was almost over, killing 22 persons and injuring hundreds more. Christina and her daughters, who called Pep Guardiola for directions while inside the arena, were fortunate to emerge unhurt. 

Although they were on the other side of the stadium at the time, they witnessed first-hand the anarchy and suffering. 

2. Fashion background spans three generations.

Cristina came from a long background of fashion designers. Her grandfather started the "Serra Claret" label, a high couture-orientated business, in 1933 at Manresa, Catalonia. 

This family business developed to become one of the most well-known names in the fashion scene of Catalonia. Cristina was inspired from a young age, since her upbringing in this milieu was naturally sensitive to fashion. 

She joined the family business when she turned legal age and then became a designer, giving the label a more contemporary touch. Emphasising form and function, her designs merge traditional and modern elements. 

3. Known Pep since 1990

The romance between Cristina and Guardiola marks an amazing evolution. When they first met in 1990, Cristina was 18-years-old and employed by her family's apparel company when young football player and occasional model Guardiola stopped by the store during a designer's advertising campaign filming session. Apparently, both of them benefitted much from this meeting. 

Though its beginnings were unstable, this relationship turned into a deep friendship. They started dating in the following years and kept it under secret till Guardiola's career peaked. 

4. Keeps a low-key and private life

Though married to a world-class football coach, Cristina has kept a modest profile all her life. She is extremely reserved and hardly ever appears in public or for interviews. 

Only bits of her personal life is covered by the media, and her marriage to Guardiola was a small, quiet affair attended by close relatives and friends. 

Cristina's family education philosophy is as simple as it has been all her life. Nobody in the media has ever interviewed her or Guardiola's three children. 

5. Strong influence on Guardiola's fashion sense

Although Guardiola has had great success coaching in football, his unique style has also helped him to become a legendary personality on the pitch. Without Cristina's direction and encouragement, it would never have been possible. 

Using her background in fashion, she has dressed her partner in a sleek and modern way. Whether he's sporting his iconic jumper and coat or a casual suit, Guardiola often looks stunning without straying too far. All of this is thanks to Cristina's knowledge in the fashion business. 

6. Acting history

Cristina hides a talent having guest starred on a number of Spanish television shows in minor roles during the the 1990s. 

Though she did not achieve fame from this, those in the know saw her performances. This encounter underlined both her flexibility and the diversity it brought into her life. 

Christina holds her small acting experience like a priceless memory close to her as her knowledge of camera posing not only prepared her for a career in fashion but also gave her fresh ideas. 

7. Mixed cultural background

Cristina was born in Spain to Brazilian parents. Her eclectic background yields a unique perspective and way of life. 

She combines her Spanish heritage with the passion and vitality of Brazil, and her creative work and personal style both mirror this worldwide blending. Combining Brazilian colours with Spanish cuts in her garment designs results in her unique look.