Manchester City’s final game of the season was much more than a normal Premier League match as Pep Guardiola and Bernardo Silva soaked in the emotion of an unforgettable farewell at the Etihad Stadium. Despite taking the lead in the first half, the Manchester team lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa, ending the 2025/26 season.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Bernardo was in tears before playing his final game for City, with the Portuguese midfielder visibly overwhelmed as he prepared to lead his side against Aston Villa. Both he and Guardiola shed tears as they left the pitch.
Josep Guardiola was left speechless when Manchester City renamed their stadium stand in his honour.
This moment represents the weight of nine years at the club, during which Bernardo became one of the most trusted and respected players of Guardiola’s entire reign.
He joined his wife and daughter in the tunnel, adding a family element to what was already a very personal farewell.
James Trafford was seen consoling him before he was sent off to a huge ovation from City supporters.
A central figure in City’s greatest era, Bernardo rarely got a glimpse in public of just how much the club meant to him.
Bernardo Silva bids farewell to Man City
Bernardo leaves City with a great legacy.
Since joining from Monaco in 2017, he has helped the club win six Premier League titles, five League Cup titles, three FA Cup titles and the Champions League.
His importance was never just about goals and assists. Bernardo’s intelligence, energy and ability to understand exactly what the game requires made him one of Guardiola’s ideal players.
That’s why his farewell struck such an emotional chord.
City fans have seen him play almost every possible role in midfield and attack, often sacrificing personal attention for the structure of the team.
Later Sunday, he received a huge ovation.
Guardiola’s own farewell makes the emotion even more emotional
Guardiola’s own departure from Manchester City made the breakup with Bernardo even more difficult.
After 10 years in charge, the Spaniard will be leaving the club he helped transform into a dominant force in English football.
Guardiola admitted that although his influence at City will remain long after he leaves the club, his energy for the job is fading.
The final day felt like two chapters had been completed all at once.
Bernardo is saying goodbye to the supporters who embraced him, while Guardiola is leaving behind the team he built.
