The merchandise stalls were doing a roaring trade before kick-off as flags and scarves emblazoned with Guardiola’s face were bought by those attending the end of this incredible era.
The arrival of the City team bus was greeted by hundreds of supporters lining up alongside the barriers in front of the Colin Bell Stand entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of Guardiola entering the stadium for one last time as their manager.
His tenure has delivered the Premier League title six times, as well as the holy grail of a Champions League plus three FA Cups and five Carabao Cups.
City have never previously seen success like it. Very, very few have. Only the great Manchester United era under Sir Alex Ferguson and Bob Paisley’s Liverpool in the 1970s and ’80s have enjoyed such trophy laden years.
A huge banner was unfurled in the East Stand as the players emerged onto the pitch before kick-off that read ’10 years with Pep – Game changer, history maker, City forever’.
Villa boss Unai Emery, who called Guardiola football’s “only genius” in the build-up to the game, presented his fellow Spaniard with a memento before the match began.
Guardiola barely flinched when his penultimate signing Antoine Semenyo volleyed home the opening goal, instead remaining in his seat and seemingly taking it all in.
To the left, his name will be immortalised at Etihad Stadium forever, with the newly expanded north end renamed the ‘Pep Guardiola Stand’ in his honour.
Guardiola said on Friday he was incredibly proud his father’s name will be adorned inside the stadium forever and 95-year-old Valenti was there for his son’s final game in charge.
His voice cracked during his farewell speech on the pitch, as supporters serenaded him with chants of “We’ve got Guardiola” one last time. He made one final lap of honour and exited down the tunnel.
“Many memories – forget the titles, it’s the memories. All of us,” said Guardiola. “All the people here are extraordinary.
“Life is made of periods, we lived an incredible period. If I had energy I would stay here. A new person has to do this job.
“Our time was good. Thank you to all the people, the new stand is beautiful.”
Emery, whose side finished fourth thanks to Ollie Watkins’ two goals defeating City, added: “A huge honour for me to compete with Pep Guardiola. He is the best. I built my career a lot of time competing against him, especially in Spain.
“The level he has – he is the best coach in the world.”
