There is much to report ahead of the final game of the season against Aston Villa. Keep up to date with the news as it happens here on Read Man City.
Man City give John Stones a ‘special’ tribute
Manchester City have now ensured that moment will remain permanently associated with Stones after unveiling a mosaic in his honour at the City Football Academy.
The artwork, created by a Manchester sculptor and City supporter, Mark Kennedy, depicts Stones’ remarkable clearance in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
Likewise, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak presented the mosaic to the 31-year-old ahead of his final fixture against Aston Villa.
“I am leaving a Manchester City fan forever, so to have this permanent installation at the City Football Academy is a real honour for me and my family,” John Stones said after receiving the permanent installation.
He added, “This club has given me so much – my teammates, the manager, the staff and the fans have been incredible. I cannot tell you how much my time here means to me, and this mosaic feels so special.”
Pep Guardiola reveals reason behind his decision to leave
Speaking before the Aston Villa clash, Guardiola admitted that his enjoyment of the daily work was central to his decision to stay for so long.
However, the 55-year-old suggested that the energy required to keep driving the side forward is no longer something he can maintain.
“I love to be here, to wake up, take my car to the CFA, imagine the game, how we can beat our opponents,” Guardiola said.
He added, “Even with a lot of titles, if I did not have fun, I would not have been here 10 years. Everything is about how you have fun. When you lose, you are more sad and disappointed, but in three days you have another.”
“If you feel fatigue and everything’s not as pleasant, you have to leave. It’s not one person, decision; it’s a question of time. 10 years is a lot of time. I have to have energy all the time, and I won’t have it. It’s simple.”
Guardiola makes ‘unexpected’ admission before final game
Regardless, Guardiola admitted that the strength of the relationships he built at the club went beyond anything he expected.
Rather than focusing on the records and trophies, the outgoing manager insisted that his memories of the people around him matter the most.
“It’s been so good. Everything unexpected. I couldn’t expect 10 years or to meet the incredible people I met. The numbers are the numbers, records, but today is not the day to think about that,” Guardiola told the press.
He added, “It’s about connections I had, the experiences and memories. I didn’t expect to be here 10 years, a lot of time at one club. We pushed each other, the energy always good, back and forth, not in one direction, and that’s why I stayed.”
Guardiola praises John Stones and Bernardo Silva
Likewise, the Catalan manager also admitted that sharing his final game with John Stones and Bernardo Silva will be special.
Guardiola went on to praise the duo, who he believes represent the club well and cherishes their time together at the Etihad.
“I guess it will not be easy. I have a lot of love, it won’t be easy to see my family there, and hopefully I can enjoy,” Guardiola said.
He added, “Another thing I enjoy is I can do it alongside John and Bernardo. It’s so special. What better two players to live alongside, many years on and off the pitch, they represent this club like true gentlemen.”
