Man City fans line streets to celebrate cup double in final farewell to Pep Guardiola

Manchester City fans lined the streets as they paraded their two pieces of silverware in what was Pep Guardiola final goodbye. The Catalan's departure was announced last week and he led the team out for his final game on Sunday as they were beaten by Aston Villa at the Etihad. Guardiola then took centre stage after the final whistle and delivered his goodbye speech. The 55-year-old leaves without delivering the title, finishing second to Arsenal , but City have still claimed the domestic cup double.

They beat rivals Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup back in March, Nico O'Reilly scoring a brace at Wembley. Earlier in May, City downed Chelsea to win the FA Cup , Guardiola's third during his time in England. January signing Antoine Semenyo scoring a second-half winner. The parade route was full of City scarves and flags with the event starting at the Northern Quarter and finishing at the Colin Bell Stand reception at the Etihad.

The Etihad, which has just opened its new North Stand, had a record attendance for their final game and fans again took the opportunity to celebrate their team and wave goodbye to the most successful boss in their history. Guardiola said in his farewell speech: “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. “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 claim that Enzo Maresca, who has previously worked at City as Guardiola's assistant, will be the man to replace him. The Italian was most recently working at Chelsea, but left his job in January.

The man who is announced as Guardiola's replacement will inherit a squad that has recently undergone a transition with new stars arriving to bring down the age profile of the squad. The likes of Marc Guehi, Semenyo and Rayan Cherki have become leading lights. As well as Guardiola, club stalwarts John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also waved their goodbyes. Bernardo is the most used player of the Guardiola era with both men winning six Premier Leagues and the Champions League .

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