Pep Guardiola brought the curtain down on his remarkable Manchester City reign in an emotional farewell at the Etihad Stadium, as supporters paid tribute to the manager widely regarded as one of football’s greatest coaches.
In front of a record crowd of more than 60,000 fans, Guardiola fought back tears while addressing supporters after his final match in charge following 10 trophy-laden years at the club.
“Why do you love me so much?” Guardiola asked emotionally as chants of “10 more years” echoed around the stadium. “It’s been an incredible honour to be your manager.”
The occasion was marked by tributes throughout the day, including a giant tifo reading “Game Changer. History Maker. City Forever”, while the newly expanded North Stand was officially renamed in Guardiola’s honour.
Although Manchester City lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in Guardiola’s 593rd and final game, the result was secondary to the farewell celebrations. Villa secured victory through a brace from Ollie Watkins after Antoine Semenyo had given City the lead.
The day also marked emotional departures for long-serving stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones, both of whom received standing ovations and guard of honour tributes during the match. Guardiola described Silva as “my weakness”, while the Portuguese midfielder called the Spaniard “the greatest manager ever”.
Guardiola leaves Manchester City after transforming the club into one of the dominant forces in world football, winning multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups and a historic Treble during his tenure.
“It has been f—— fun,” Guardiola told supporters in his closing message, urging fans to “come and hug me” if they ever meet him again in the future.