Pep Guardiola could no longer hold back his emotions as Manchester City brought down the curtain on his glittering decade-long reign at the Etihad Stadium.
The 55-year-old manager broke into tears during his final game in charge after captain Bernardo Silva was substituted in the 59th minute of City’s defeat to Aston Villa.
Silva, who also became emotional as he left the pitch through a guard of honour formed by both teams, embraced Guardiola on the touchline in a moment that captured the end of one of the most successful eras in English football.
Guardiola wiped away tears with his shirt and attempted to regain composure as City searched unsuccessfully for a final victory under his leadership.
Despite the defeat, supporters inside the Etihad focused less on the result and more on celebrating the manager who transformed the club into a dominant force in England and Europe.
“This chapter will always be there,” Guardiola said after the match.
“Bernardo was emotional today, before the game. If you want to cry then cry, if you want to laugh then laugh. Emotions – you have to express them. I don’t cry, but when I see somebody else cry, then I cry.”
Fans packed the stadium hours before kick-off to celebrate Guardiola’s farewell. Merchandise stalls sold scarves and flags bearing his image, while hundreds lined the barriers outside the stadium hoping to see him arrive for the final time as City manager.
Pep Guardiola: 10 Years, 20 Trophies
During his 10-year spell, Guardiola guided City to six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
Supporters unveiled a giant banner inside the stadium reading: “10 years with Pep – Game changer, history maker, City forever.”
Villa manager Unai Emery, who previously described Guardiola as football’s “only genius,” presented his compatriot with a commemorative gift before kick-off.
Guardiola’s voice cracked during his farewell speech after the game as supporters sang “We’ve got Guardiola” one last time while he completed a final lap of honour.
“Many memories – forget the titles, it’s the memories. All of us,” Guardiola said.
“All the people here are extraordinary.
“Life is made of periods, we lived an incredible period. If I had energy I would stay here. A new person has to do this job.
“Our time was good. Thank you to all the people, the new stand is beautiful.”
The club permanently renamed the expanded north end of the Etihad Stadium the “Pep Guardiola Stand” in honour of the Spaniard. Guardiola had earlier revealed how proud he felt that his father’s name would remain associated with the stadium forever.
Emery also paid tribute to Guardiola after Villa secured fourth place through two goals from Ollie Watkins.
“A huge honour for me to compete with Pep Guardiola. He is the best,” Emery said.
“I built my career a lot of time competing against him, especially in Spain.
“The level he has – he is the best coach in the world.”
Long Serving Players and Associates
The emotional farewell also extended to long-serving players Silva and John Stones, who will leave the club when their contracts expire next month.
Silva, who played 460 matches under Guardiola — more than any other player managed by the Spaniard — thanked supporters during an emotional address on the pitch.
“It’s really tough to put into words my feelings towards City, to you guys,” Silva said.
“I don’t think I will ever feel the same love ever in my life. This will forever be my family and I’m really grateful.”
Stones also thanked supporters for their backing during his time at the club.
“I can’t express the gratitude that I feel for the love that you’ve given me. It’s been a dream come true,” Stones said.
“From the bottom of my heart and my family’s hearts, thank you so much.”
Former captain Ilkay Gundogan and goalkeeper Ederson also returned to the Etihad to receive recognition after leaving last summer.
Guardiola’s long-time assistants, including Manel Estiarte, Lorenzo Buenaventura and Xabi Mancisidor, also received tributes as they prepare to depart alongside him.
The farewell marked the end of a historic chapter at Manchester City — one that reshaped the club and left Guardiola among the most decorated managers in English football history.
