Pep Guardiola will bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City as he takes charge of the team for the final time on Sunday.
The Spaniard announced on Friday he would be stepping down after the final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa.
It brings to an end one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football history with Guardiola having won 20 trophies over the past 10 years.
The occasion will be marked by the opening of the Etihad Stadium’s newly-expanded North Stand, which is to be renamed ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand’ in his honour.
“I can just say thank you so much to the club for delivering this to me and to my family,” said Guardiola.
“My father will come on Sunday, 94 years old, to watch the game. It’s an incredible honour to have his name in this beautiful place.”
Guardiola hopes the stand will continue to inspire players after he has left.
He said: “I like to feel that my vibe or my energy will be there forever.
“I like that feeling in the bad moments, when someone looks and it says ‘Pep’, OK I will send good energy for the team, for the club.”
Guardiola had hoped to sign off by winning the domestic treble but Tuesday’s draw at Bournemouth meant City could no longer catch Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
Yet there will still be an air of celebration as long-serving players Bernardo Silva and John Stones make their final appearances.
It will also be City’s first home appearance since they added the FA Cup to the Carabao Cup they won earlier in the season, while Villa arrive fresh from winning the Europa League in midweek.
