JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola told Manchester City players in an emotional farewell at the Etihad Stadium that they must not drop their standards after his departure.
Guardiola shed tears as he ended his 10-year tenure at the club with a 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa on the final day of the season, Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The 55-year-old coach, whose 95-year-old father, Valenti, was in the stands, addressed the supporters on the pitch after the game.
During his speech, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach warned the squad he left behind after joking that he would watch from the new Pep Guardiola stand.
"The players don't know it, but I will be there (in the new stand that has been named) watching them. The players have a great responsibility to continue this standard. Hopefully they continue to fight. This is my home," he said.
Guardiola left Manchester City after a decade of unprecedented success, including six Premier League and Champions League titles.
At his farewell, he was greeted with chants of "another 10 years" by supporters.
"This is a great honor that my family will feel for life. For the next few years, wherever in the world, if you see me on the streets or here at the Etihad Stadium, if you are a Manchester City supporter, come to me."
"It's a great honor to represent this club. Every decision I make, I think is the best for this club. I love you guys so much. It's so fun," he said.
In addition to Guardiola, Manchester City also said goodbye to Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who will leave the club this summer.
Both received the respect of both groups of players when they were replaced in the second half.
"Pep is the reason we won so many games. He's the one who took control, made the decisions and created this great team that was not only successful for one or two seasons, but for a very long time."
"Personally, he is my father in the football world," said Bernardo Silva.
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