Pep Guardiola had kept his composure through most of his final afternoon as Manchester City manager. Then Bernardo Silva walked off the pitch, and everything changed.

When Silva's number 20 appeared on the fourth official's board in the 59th minute, Guardiola could no longer hold back. Tears streamed down his cheeks as Silva received a guard of honour from players on both sides. The two men — each central to City's decade of dominance — embraced on the touchline, a moment immediately captured by photographers and destined to hang in the corridors of the Etihad Stadium alongside images of Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Agüero, and Yaya Touré.

Guardiola wiped his face with his white t-shirt and composed himself, even as his side ultimately fell to defeat against Aston Villa — a club buoyant following their Europa League triumph on Wednesday. The result, however, felt entirely beside the point.

A farewell fit for a legend

Hundreds of supporters lined the barriers outside the Colin Bell Stand before kick-off, hoping to catch one last glimpse of their departing manager. Merchandise stalls sold scarves and flags bearing Guardiola's face. A vast banner in the East Stand read: 10 years with Pep — Game changer, history maker, City forever.