SOCCER: 'It has been fun': Man City say adios to Guardiola after decade of glory

MANCHESTER, England — Tearful Manchester City fans serenaded Pep Guardiola with chants of “We’ve got Guardiola!” as the Etihad Stadium became a celebration on Sunday, honoring the manager who reshaped both the club and English football during his decade in charge.

The result — a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League season finale — quickly faded into the background as supporters remained long after full time for an emotional farewell. Players and staff formed a guard of honor wearing shirts bearing Guardiola’s name.

“I’m so nervous right now. Why do you love me so much? Why do you do that to me?” Guardiola told the crowd. “I never imagined this amount of love. It has been an incredible honor to be your manager for 10 years. Incredible emotions.”

Despite a strong late-season push that saw City challenge Arsenal near the top of the table, along with victories in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, Guardiola said he no longer had the energy for another campaign.

Tributes inside the sunlit Etihad included a large banner calling him a “Game Changer” and “History Maker,” Catalan flags in recognition of his heritage, and scarves reading “Adios” and “Gracias.” One fan sign read: “10 years ago you came, totally changed our game, now you’re leaving it’s such a shame… Love you Pep.”

Guardiola, often animated on the touchline, appeared subdued throughout the match, with hands tucked into beige trousers as he watched in reflection, seemingly absorbing the end of his era at the club.

TRANSFORMATIONAL REIGN

When the Catalan arrived in 2016, he was already regarded as one of football’s most innovative coaches. What followed was a transformative spell that turned Manchester City from wealthy contenders into the dominant force of an era.

A montage of his most iconic moments was later played on the stadium screens, set to Oasis’s “Live Forever,” as supporters paid tribute to his 593 matches in charge and 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles — four of them consecutively — and a UEFA Champions League triumph.

“Wherever I am in the world, if you see me, come and give me a hug. I will need one,” Guardiola said, noting that a stand at the Etihad will be renamed in his honor and a statue built outside the stadium.

“Every decision I took, I believed it was best for this club. I love you so much. It has been fun.”

The afternoon also marked emotional farewells for captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones. Silva was visibly emotional even before kickoff, leading the team onto the pitch while carrying his daughter.

“I don’t think I will ever feel the same about another team in my life,” Silva said. “This is a family. It will forever be my family.”

Both Silva and Stones were given guards of honor during their final appearances. Guardiola embraced each player on the pitch, visibly moved as he wiped away tears.

“To feel the love over these 10 years has been a dream come true,” Stones said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This will always be my home.”

VILLA THE SPOILERS

There was little at stake in the final match, with City already assured of second place, seven points behind champions Arsenal.

Aston Villa, who finished fourth, arrived having already secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League following their strong season finish.

Ollie Watkins struck twice in the second half after City had opened the scoring through Phil Foden. An early goal from Antoine Semenyo briefly put City ahead before Villa responded.

Foden thought he had rescued a late equalizer, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Villa supporters also joined the farewell mood in their own way, chanting playful taunts toward Guardiola that were met with smiles and laughter from the home crowd — a fittingly lighthearted end to a defining era at the Etihad. -Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne/Reuters