Manchester City bid farewell to Bernardo Silva and John Stones as the curtain was drawn on the 2025-26 Premier League season
Bernardo Silva and John Stones of Manchester City look on during the award ceremony following the Premier League match between City and Aston Villa
Bernardo Silva and John Stones bid farewell to Manchester City on Sunday
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Fittingly John Stones took his seat next to Bernardo Silva among the Manchester City substitutes. It was at that moment the tears took hold of the defender, who had just walked off the Etihad pitch for the final time in his City career.
Silva had done the same journey around 15 minutes earlier, equally if not more emotional. Both players were given mid-game guard of honours from both teams as the City subs and non-playing squad members gathered on the touchline.
It was then that the tears came for Stones, who buried his head in his shirt and sobbed. Silva shared a hug and a word. It was an emotional occasion for two modern-day legends. They shared a hug and a word on the bench.
Indeed Bernardo was in tears in the tunnel before the game as he waited to lead the Blues out for one final time. Inside the dressing room before the game, the skipper was in floods of tears as the emotion of the occasion and the appreciation from team-mates became too much for him. Stones also had a tear in his eye as the departing pair hugged their team-mates.
Guardiola grabbed Stones into a huge bear hug, two titans of the club who between them perhaps had the greatest influence on the 2023 Champions League final win over Inter Milan.
"This will forever be my family and I’m really grateful," said Silva on the pitch after the game.
"It’s been a dream come true," added Stones. "And from the bottom of my heart and my family’s hearts, thank you so much. It’s been an honour to wear the shirt in front of you guys."
Stones and Silva are close friends. The Portugal international named his dog John in honour of his team-mate despite protestations from the defender. Indeed the four-legged John was there on Sunday.
The pair have been inextricably linked to the era of success at the Etihad and depart as modern day legends. Both have set standards on and off the pitch with a quality and an attitude that helped carry City to greatness.
Bernardo spoke ahead of this season about resetting the standards, he didn't need to reinforce the message to Stones. No-one has a bad word to say about either around the Etihad and both will be missed for more than just their football.
The task of replacing either will be difficult, replacing both in the same summer? Good luck Enzo.