Guardiola says memories and connections, not trophies, define his decade at Man City

MANCHESTER, England, May 24 : Pep Guardiola may leave Manchester City with 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, but he insisted on Sunday that it was the memories and connections, not the silverware, that will define his decade in charge at the club.

Guardiola - who gave his final post-game press conference as City boss after a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in a season finale that meant little for either side - spoke movingly about the bond he forged with players, staff, fans and the city.

While his record speaks for itself, Guardiola said trophies alone could never capture what he experienced at the club.

"The luggage of memories I put inside is more than any other (team previously)," he said. "Without 20 trophies they would have sacked me before, but you are not at home and see the trophies and say 'Oh, how happy I am.'

"I don't know, explain to me why the connection I had since day one for the city, but especially with the back-room staff, with the players. I know we were connected."

Guardiola singled out departing captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones.

"I don't cry, but when I see Bernardo cry, I cry," Guardiola said. "It was such a special moment with Bernie. He said to me, 'I'm so tired, I cannot run.' And the emotions were so important today with John."

The Spaniard also pointed to other people who shaped his City journey, from his current squad to those who returned just for his farewell.

"Happy (former City player) Fernandinho was here, came from Brazil just for today, I will never forget that," Guardiola said.

"Eddie and Gundo (Ederson and Ilkay Gundogan), and all the guys in the (tribute) video, for John and Bernie, what they have done this decade, top human beings, top players, incredible machines