‘Tired’ Pep Guardiola struggles to contain his emotions at Man City farewell

Pep Guardiola admitted he was “so tired” and shed tears following his final game as Manchester City manager.

The Spaniard bowed out after 10 glorious years at the Etihad Stadium following Sunday’s Premier League defeat against Aston Villa.

Villa did their best to spoil a celebration of Guardiola’s extraordinary achievements, which include the winning of 20 trophies, as they came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory.

But there was no doubting the occasion belonged to Guardiola and two other stalwarts of his reign in Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who made their final appearances.

Guardiola now intends to take a long break from the game but left no doubt the club had made a big mark on him.

He said: “I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired. I did everything. We did it.

“The memories I have of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are unbeatable but the luggage of memories I have from here from 10 years is more than any other.

“Without the trophies I would have been sacked but it is not looking at the trophies in the cabinet at home that makes me happy.

“It is the memories and connections I had since day one with the city, the backroom staff and the players.”

Guardiola spoke on the pitch after the game and admitted he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

He said: “I don’t cry, but when I saw Bernardo cry I cried. I said don’t cry but it happened.

“It was such a special moment. The emotions were so high. I will never forget.”

Despite the emotional send-off, Guardiola had no doubt he was making the right decision.

He said: “It is the right time. I will not miss it for a while, that’s for sure.

“I feel deeply that the decision is the right decision for this club and the players. I thank the club for respecting it, they understood.”

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