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Pep Guardiola broke down in tears mid-match as the curtain came down on his 10 years at Manchester City alongside captain Bernardo Silva on Sunday.
Guardiola, 55, announced his departure after Daily Mail Sport broke the news earlier this week and is being followed out of Man City two of his stalwarts – Silva and England centre back John Stones.
That made it an emotional afternoon at the Etihad Stadium against Aston Villa as the City trio bid farewell – and it all caught up with the manager and his captain.
Pep Guardiola and Bernardo Silva had an emotional embrace at their final game on Sunday
Guardiola had to wipe his tears after Bernardo left the pitch on their final game at Man City
Silva, 31, had struggled to keep his emotions in from the start. He entered the field alongside daughter Carlota, and wife, Ines, for the final time and as he prepared to walk out, he was consoled by opposing captain Tyrone Mings, as well as City goalkeeper James Trafford, who gave him a hug from behind.
Silva took over the armband this season and has been an integral component of the rise in standards across Guardiola’s squad after last year’s dip.
The Portugal international made it clear to reporters at the Club World Cup last June that this would be his final campaign but had stopped short of making an official announcement.
The 31-year-old, who believes it is too early for a return to Benfica, has options in MLS while Juventus have hoped to persuade him into signing.
Bernardo Silva struggled to fight b ack the tears as he led Manchester City out for the final time
Barcelona are long-standing admirers, with Silva’s friend Ilkay Gundogan at Galatasaray.
Despite spending nine years at the Etihad Stadium, Silva has not always jived with English culture and recently admitted that were City stationed in southern Europe, he would stay until being ‘kicked out’.
Silva admitted: ‘If Manchester City was in Lisbon, I’d stay until I’m 40. I truly love the football club, my team-mates, staff, fans, stadium, atmosphere – everything about my professional life.
He was hoping to win a seventh Premier League title in City colours before his departure, but his side came up short against Arsenal.
