Pep Guardiola Says Emotional Farewell To Man City Fans After EPL Final Day Defeat

An emotional farewell for Pep Guardiola ended in disappointment on Sunday, May 24, as Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Spaniard’s final game in charge at the Etihad Stadium.

Days after City’s Premier League title hopes faded, attention shifted entirely to Pep Guardiola’s goodbye after a transformative 10-year spell that reshaped the club and English football.

Supporters packed the Etihad long before kick-off, chanting “We’ve got Guardiola!” as banners and tributes filled the ground for one final appearance from the club’s most successful manager.

Guardiola struggled to contain his emotions while addressing fans after the match.

“I’m so nervous right now. Why do you love me so much? Why do you do that to me?” he said.

“I never imagined the amount of love, it had been an incredible, tremendous honour to be your manager for 10 years. Incredible emotions. My dad is here today in the stands, 95-years old, wow!”

The Spaniard also spoke about the lasting bond he feels with the club and supporters.

“This is my home,” he stressed. “Over the next few years, wherever in the world, if you see me in the streets or here at Etihad Stadium, if you are a City fan come to me. It has been a huge honour to represent this club. Every decision I took I thought was the best for this club. I love you so much. It has been fucking fun.”

The occasion carried more emotion than quality on the pitch. City went ahead in the 23rd minute through Antoine Semenyo after a scrappy set-piece, though Guardiola barely reacted on the touchline.

Villa spoiled the farewell after the break as Ollie Watkins scored twice in 14 minutes to complete the turnaround. His second goal capped an outstanding display from the striker, who continued his fine form ahead of the World Cup.

City faded badly in the second half and failed to register a shot on target after the break.

Phil Foden thought he had rescued a late equaliser, only for VAR to disallow the effort.

There were also emotional send-offs for long-serving stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones on their final appearances for the club.

Despite the defeat, the afternoon belonged to Guardiola, whose final loss marked only the 53rd defeat of a remarkable decade in charge of Manchester City.