Pep Guardiola's final parade with Manchester City marks end of an era

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Pep Guardiola bid a final farewell to Manchester City fans on Monday -Credit:Ioannis Alexopoulos/Anadolu via Getty Images


Manchester City supporters lined the streets to celebrate their two pieces of silverware in what proved to be Pep Guardiola's final farewell.

The Catalan's exit was confirmed last week, and he led his side out for one last time on Sunday as they fell to Aston Villa at the Etihad. Guardiola then took center stage following the final whistle to deliver his farewell address.

The 55-year-old departs without securing the title, finishing as runners-up to Arsenal, yet City still claimed the domestic cup double. They defeated rivals Arsenal to lift the Carabao Cup back in March, with Nico O'Reilly netting twice at Wembley.

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City won both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup this season -Creditarren Staples / AFP via Getty Images

Earlier in May, City overcame Chelsea to capture the FA Cup, Guardiola's third during his tenure in England, with January acquisition Antoine Semenyo netting a second-half winner.

The parade route was awash with City scarves and flags, with the event kicking off at the Northern Quarter before concluding at the Colin Bell Stand reception at the Etihad, as per The Mirror.

The Etihad, which recently unveiled its new North Stand, had a record attendance for City's final game, with fans seizing the opportunity to honor their team and bid farewell to the most decorated manager in the club's history.

Guardiola said in his farewell speech: "I never expected to be here for 10 years. Manchester became my home. One more thing before you all go home for beers or wine or whatever... if in the next few years you see me in the streets anywhere around the world, if you are a Manchester City fan, come and hug me. I will need it.

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"It has been a huge honor to represent this club. Every decision I took, even with all the mistakes, I always thought about what was best for this club. I love you so much."

Reports suggest that Enzo Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola's assistant at City, is set to be named as his successor. The Italian most recently held the reins at Chelsea, departing his role in January.

Whoever is confirmed as Guardiola's replacement will take charge of a squad that has undergone considerable renewal, with fresh talent arriving to lower the average age of the group. The likes of Marc Guehi, Semenyo, and Rayan Cherki have emerged as key figures.

Alongside Guardiola, long-serving stalwarts John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also said their farewells. Bernardo stands as the most utilized player of the Guardiola era, with both men claiming six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

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