Manchester City supporters filled the streets to celebrate a domestic cup double as Pep Guardiola said his final farewell to the club. The Catalan's departure was confirmed last week, and he took charge of his last match on Sunday, a defeat to Aston Villa at the Etihad.
Despite finishing second to Arsenal in the Premier League, City secured two trophies this season. They beat Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup in March, with Nico O'Reilly scoring twice at Wembley. Earlier in May, a second-half goal from January signing Antoine Semenyo earned victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup, Guardiola's third in his time in England.
The parade began in the Northern Quarter and ended at the Colin Bell Stand reception at the Etihad. The stadium, which recently opened its new North Stand, had a record attendance for Guardiola's final game, and fans again gathered to celebrate the team and bid farewell to the most successful manager in the club's history.
In his farewell speech, Guardiola said: "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." He added: "It has been a huge honour 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 Enzo Maresca, a former City assistant who most recently left Chelsea in January, will replace Guardiola. The incoming manager will inherit a squad undergoing transition, with Marc Guehi, Semenyo and Rayan Cherki emerging as key figures. Club stalwarts John Stones and Bernardo Silva, both winners of six Premier League titles and the Champions League, have also departed, with Silva the most-used player of the Guardiola era.
