Bernardo given emotional guard of honour on City farewell – watch the video here | OneFootball

Bernardo was given a touching send off by City [Getty Images]

It was a hugely sentimental day for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as the Premier League’s final day. City were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa to end the campaign, but the result was bordering on meaningless as the club said goodbye to three key figures.

Pep Guardiola’s departure after ten years at the helm has rocked the club, but as well as bidding farewell to their manager, City fans were also forced to give heartfelt send-offs to key players Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

When Bernardo, who arrived in Manchester a year after Guardiola in 2017, was substituted just before the hour mark, there was an unprecedented show of appreciation on the pitch. Players from both teams formed a ‘Guard of Honour’ to usher the Portuguese to the sidelines, with Bernardo in tears as his City career comes to a close.

Guardiola was visibly affected at the closing moments of the player who has featured more than any other during his decade in charge. The Spaniard often cites Bernardo as one of his most treasured players, a feeling which is clearly reciprocated by Bernardo, who labelled Guardiola “the greatest of all time” and “my father in football” after the match.

“They are a family,” Bernardo said of the City supporters. “They mean so much to us.

“I’m half Mancunian now for sure. This will always be my second home.

“It’s also where I started my family, where I started my relationship with my wife. It’s a very special place.

“Today meant a lot. It was truly a special moment to share this with my family, my football family, with John, with Pep and with Gundo and Eddie and Fernandinho.

“Overall it was a special celebration and a great day for this football club.”

Bernardo leaves City having won 20 trophies across his nine years, which saw him rack up 460 appearances, scoring 76 goals. He also won the club’s Player of the Year for the 2018-19 season.

Speculation continues around where Bernardo will continue his career, with interest from a host of clubs ranging from Spain, Italy, Türkiye and Brazil. Reports in recent days suggest Atletico Madrid could be the frontrunners to secure his signature, with Bernardo believed to be keen to decide his future soon.