Manchester City fans have paid an emotional tribute to Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, with many describing the manager's departure as a 'bereavement'. Supporters gathered for the final home match of the season against Aston Villa, marking the end of a glorious decade under the Catalan coach.
Sophie Hope, a lifelong fan, said: 'I'm utterly devastated and have already shed tears. Pep has brought such a huge level of enjoyment, excitement, joy and pride to our club. The happiness he has brought to me, my life, to Manchester will never be replicated or forgotten.'
Guardiola transformed City into a dominant force, winning multiple Premier League titles and the club's first Champions League trophy in 2023. Andy Hooper reflected: 'Pep took us into a footballing galaxy that only a handful of teams in world football will ever experience. He's not just been our manager, he's all of us. He will be for ever our boss.'
Fans displayed banners and T-shirts spelling 'Gracies Pep' in Catalan, while a mural of Guardiola now adorns a house opposite the ground. The newly expanded North Stand, named in his honour, helped secure a record attendance of 60,332.
Guardiola was visibly emotional as he embraced departing midfielder Bernardo Silva, using his Pep-branded T-shirt to wipe away tears. The Portuguese was given a standing ovation and a guard of honour from both teams.
