Man City 1-2 Aston Villa: Pep Guardiola makes an emotional farewell

Merchandise stalls were doing a roaring trade before kick-off, buying flags and scarves emblazoned with Guardiola’s face at the end of this incredible era.

The arrival of the City team bus was greeted by hundreds of supporters lining the barricades in front of the entrance to the Colin Bell Stand, hoping to catch a glimpse of Guardiola entering the stadium for the last time as their manager.

Six Premier League titles were won during his tenure, as well as a Champions League holy grail plus three FA Cups and five Carabao Cups.

City has never seen such success before. There are very, very few. Just great Manchester United The era under Sir Alex Ferguson and Bob Paisley Liverpool The 1970s and 80s enjoyed such trophy-laden years.

A huge banner was unfurled in the East Stand as the players appeared on the pitch before kick-off which read ’10 years with Pep – game changer, history maker, City forever’.

Villa boss Unai Emery, who Guardiola called football’s “single genius” in creating the game, presented his fellow Spaniard with a memento before kick-off.

Guardiola barely pounced when his latest signing Antoine Semenyo volleyed in the opening goal, instead staying in his seat and seemingly taking it all in.

On the left, his name will forever be immortalized at the Etihad Stadium, with the newly expanded north end named the ‘Pep Guardiola Stand’ in his honour.

Guardiola said on Friday that he was incredibly proud that his father’s name would forever be emblazoned inside the stadium and that 95-year-old Valenti was in charge of his son’s final game.

His voice cracked during his farewell speech on the pitch, as supporters chanted “We’ve got Guardiola” for him one last time. He made one final lap of honor and headed down the tunnel.

“Many memories – forget the title, this is the memory. All of us,” Guardiola said. “All the people here are wonderful.

“Life is made of periods, we had an incredible time. If I had the energy, I’d be here. A new person has to do this.

“We had a good time. Thanks to everyone, the new stand is beautiful.”

Emery, whose side beat City to finish fourth thanks to two goals from Ollie Watkins, added: “It’s a huge honor for me to compete with Pep Guardiola. He’s the best. I’ve built my career competing against him, especially in Spain.

“The level he has – he’s the best coach in the world.”