'It has been fun': Man City say adios to Guardiola after decade of glory

MANCHESTER, England, May 24 : Tearful Manchester City fans serenaded Pep Guardiola with chants of "We've got ... Guardiola!" as the Etihad Stadium turned into a tribute on Sunday to the man who transformed both the club and English football over his glittering decade as boss. 

City's result in their season finale, a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, quickly faded into the background.

Supporters lingered long after the game for a celebratory send-off, with players and staff lining up for a guard of honour wearing shirts bearing Guardiola's name.

"I'm so nervous right now. Why do you love me so much? Why do you do that to me?" Guardiola said to the crowd. 

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

Despite a thrilling late-season run that had City nipping at Arsenal's heels plus two trophies - the FA Cup and League Cup - Guardiola said he did not have the energy for another season.

Tributes at a sun-drenched Etihad included a vast banner proclaiming Guardiola a "Game Changer" and "History Maker", Catalan flags in honour of his homeland, and special scarves saying "Adios" and "Gracias". 

One fan's sign read: "10 years ago u came, totally changed our game, now your leaving it's such a shame, things will never be the same!!! Love you Pep!!!"

Guardiola, so often animated on the touchline, cut a quieter figure than normal, hands tucked into beige trousers for most of the game as he gazed out across the pitch, seemingly lost in reflection as his decade at the club came to an end. 

TRANSFORMATIONAL REIGN

When the ‌Catalan arrived in 2016, he was already regarded as one of the game's great innovators. What followed was something even more profound: a