MANCHESTER, England - Tearful Manchester City fans gave Pep Guardiola a heartfelt send-off at the Etihad Stadium Sunday, after he announced he no longer had the energy for another season. Despite a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the season finale, supporters lingered to chant his name and players formed a guard of honor wearing shirts with his name.
The afternoon was also an emotional goodbye for captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, who were in tears. Guardiola hugged both and wiped away his own tears with his T-shirt.
Over 593 games, Guardiola transformed City and English football, winning 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles-a historic four in a row-and the Champions League. His success set new standards across the league.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins scored twice, including a goal in each half, while Phil Foden's late equalizer was ruled offside. Yet the result was secondary to the tributes. Villa fans joined in the atmosphere, cheekily chanting, "You're getting sacked in the morning!"-drawing laughter from the crowd.