Man City bid farewell to Pep 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.

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 had realised he did not have the energy for another season.   

The afternoon was also an emotional goodbye to City captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones. Silva was in tears before the game even kicked off, as he led his team onto the pitch cradling his young daughter Carlota in his arms.

Silva and Stones were given guards of honour by both teams in the second half of their final appearances for City. Guardiola hugged both, and wiped away tears with his T-shirt.

There was little riding on the outcome of both clubs' final game of the Premier League season, with City already assured of second, seven points behind champions Arsenal. 

Villa, who came fourth on 65 points, had already secured Champions League qualification and arrived buoyed by their Europa League triumph on Wednesday.

TROPHY-LADEN PERIOD

Ollie Watkins struck twice as Villa played spoilers, but the loss could not overshadow the tributes to beloved City boss Guardiola, whose success raised standards across the Premier League. 

His 593 games in charge transformed the club's trajectory and