John Stones took his seat next to Bernardo Silva among the Manchester City substitutes. It was at that moment the tears took hold of the defender, who had just walked off the Etihad pitch for the final time in his City career.
Silva had done the same journey around 15 minutes earlier. Equally, if not more, emotional.
Both players were given mid game guard of honours from both teams as the City subs and non playing squad members gathered on the touchline. That’s when the tears came for Stones, who buried his head in his shirt and sobbed.
Silva shared a hug and a word. An emotional occasion for two modern day legends.
‘This will forever be my family’
Bernardo was in tears in the tunnel before the game as he waited to lead the Blues out for one final time. Inside the dressing room, the skipper was in floods of tears as the emotion of the occasion and the appreciation from teammates became too much.
Stones also had a tear in his eye as the departing pair hugged their teammates.
Guardiola grabbed Stones into a huge bear hug. Two titans of the club who between them perhaps had the greatest influence on the 2023 Champions League final win over Inter Milan.
“This will forever be my family and I’m really grateful,” said Silva on the pitch after the game.
“It’s been a dream come true,” added Stones. “And from the bottom of my heart and my family’s hearts, thank you so much. It’s been an honour to wear the shirt in front of you guys.”
A bond beyond football
Stones and Silva are close friends. The Portugal international named his dog John in honour of his teammate, despite protestations from the defender. Indeed, the four legged John was there on Sunday.
The pair have been inextricably linked to the era of success at the Etihad. They depart as modern day legends. Both have set standards on and off the pitch with a quality and an attitude that helped carry City to greatness.
Bernardo spoke ahead of this season about resetting the standards. He didn’t need to reinforce the message to Stones.
No one has a bad word to say about either around the Etihad. Both will be missed for more than just their football.
The task that looms
The task of replacing either will be difficult. Replacing both in the same summer?
Good luck, Enzo.
The bottom line
Tears in the tunnel. Tears on the pitch. Tears on the bench.
Two legends said goodbye. A dog named John watched on. Guardiola embraced his warriors.
City have lost more than players. They’ve lost heart, character and standards.
Now the real work begins. And the task couldn’t be more daunting.
