Pep Guardiola waves goodbye to Man City with touching parting message to supporters | OneFootball

Spaniard will have a stand named after him at the Etihad after decade of dominance in northwest

The Spaniard has turned City into one of world football’s most dominant clubs since joining in 2016, with his honours including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League.

He could not end his tenure with one last victory, as City were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season, but gave a touching address to the Etihad crowd at full-time nonetheless, reflecting on the ‘incredible emotions’ of the day after the club committed to naming a stand after him and building a statue in his honour.

"I never imagined the amount of love, it had been an incredible, tremendous honour to be your manager for 10 years. Incredible emotions.

Guard of honour: Pep Guardiola

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“My dad is here today in the stands, 95 years old - wow! Maybe he doesn't realise but I'm pretty sure in many years this stand that looks really beautiful, the name of my family will be there. That is the hugest honour.

"It is an immense honour my family will have for the rest of my life. The players don't know it, but I will be up there [in the Pep Guardiola Stand] controlling them! The players have a huge responsibility to continue these standards - hopefully they fight and fight and fight. This is my home.

"Over the next years, wherever in the world, if you see my in the streets or here at Etihad Stadium, if you are a City fan come to me. It has been a huge honour to represent this club. Every decision I took I thought was the best for this club. I love you so much. It has been fun."

Guardiola has told reporters that he plans to take some time away from management after leaving City, though he will retain a role at City as an ambassador.

Leaving the club alongside him this week are two legendary players in Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who both depart as legends having played key roles in some of Guardiola’s most successful sides.

Man of the hour: Pep Guardiola

PA

Guardiola continued, imploring supporters to let their emotions out after a powerful day at the Etihad as he revealed he no longer had the ‘energy’ for the demanding City job.

He told Sky Sports: "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."