Pep Guardiola said goodbye to players and fans of Manchester City after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday.

Speaking at the post-match conference, the Spaniards said he leaves with memories that are more important than the titles he won for the Club.

Guardiola asserted that it was the memories and connections he made, not the silverware, that would define his decade of managing City.

He said, “The luggage of memories I put inside is more than any other (team previously).

“Without 20 trophies, they would have sacked me before, but you are not at home and see the trophies and say, ‘Oh, how happy I am.’ I don’t know, explain to me why the connection I had since day one for the city, but especially with the back-room staff, with the players. I know we were connected.”

Guardiola singled out captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, who are also leaving the club.

“I don’t cry, but when I see Bernardo cry, I cry. It was such a special moment with Bernie. He said to me, ‘I’m so tired, I cannot run.’ And the emotions were so important today with John.”

Guardiola’s 95-year-old father was at the Etihad to witness his son’s last game in charge of the club.

Guardiola was announced as City manager on Feb. 1, 2026. He won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles.

He led Manchester City to their first treble in the 2022-23 season, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.

(Reuters/NAN)