- Man City honoured four modern-day legends
- Stones and Bernardo made final City appearances
- Ederson and Gundogan returned to the Etihad
Manchester City’s emotional farewell to several defining figures of the Pep Guardiola era continued beyond the final whistle against Aston Villa.
John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Ederson and Ilkay Gundogan each played distinct roles in turning City into the dominant force in English football.
Likewise, the quartet’s contributions have made them inseparable from the club’s greatest period, as all of them were present on the Premier League’s last matchday.
However, their time together in sky blue has now come to an end. Regardless, Man City have reportedly ensured their connection to the club will continue long after their departures.
Man City hand lifetime season tickets to four Etihad legends
Gundogan, Ederson, Stones and Bernardo were each presented with a lifetime season ticket to the Etihad Stadium.
The gesture ensures four of the most influential players of Guardiola’s reign will always have a place at the ground.
Likewise, Stones and Bernardo had already been given emotional send-offs after starting against Aston Villa. Both players received guards of honour as they left the pitch in the second half.
Gundogan and Ederson were also welcomed back by the home crowd. The duo left for Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, respectively, last summer.
Ilkay Gundogan tribute revives unforgettable Aston Villa memories
There was also a fitting symmetry to Gundogan receiving the honour after a final-day meeting with Aston Villa.
Four years earlier, the midfielder came off the bench against the same opponents with City 2-0 down and the Premier League title slipping away.
However, the German international went on to score two goals, either side of Rodri’s strike, completing one of the most dramatic title-winning comebacks in the club’s history.
Four lifetime ticket recipients started Man City’s greatest-ever game
When Guardiola’s side beat Inter Milan to win their first Champions League title and complete the Treble in 2023, the quartet started the final in Istanbul.
Ederson made a decisive late save that day to deny Romelu Lukaku. Stones, on the other hand, operated in the hybrid midfield role, which transformed City during the Treble run.
Likewise, Gundogan captained the side to lift the trophy while Bernardo started on the right side as Guardiola made use of the midfielder’s versatility.
