Pep Guardiola has taken charge of his final Manchester City match, as he steps down as manager after ten years.
The Catalan has overseen incredible success during his time at the Etihad, lifting 20 major trophies. His side have also broken countless records along the way.
A history-maker until the end, his final game in charge of City, his 593rd, made him the club’s longest-ever serving manager. The coach was visibly emotional before, during and after the match, which finished 2-1 to Aston Villa.
“Our time was good,” Guardiola said to Sky Sports after the game. “Thank you to all the people, the new stand is beautiful.
“Bernardo was emotional today, before the game, if you want to cry then cry, laugh then laugh. Emotions – you have to express them. I don’t cry, but when I see somebody else cry, then I cry!
“This chapter will always be there. Many memories – forget the titles, it’s the memories. All of us. 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.
“The [new] manager has to be themselves, that’s the most important thing. The way they communicate, the way they play, they have to be them. This club is good at many things, and they do transitions really well. It will be good. You can win many titles, but the connection with the city and the people you work with. If you are not comfortable with people you work with, you do not stay for 10 years.”