Mohamed Salah cries and Pep Guardiola bows out with defeat as Premier League legends bid goodbye

WATCH NOW: Pep Guardiola announces Man City exit

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 24/05/2026

- 18:42

There were plenty of tears on Sunday

The 2025/26 Premier League season is now over.

Arsenal have been crowned champions, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Sunderland and Brighton have secured Europe and Wolves, Burnley and West Ham will all be strutting their stuff in the Championship next term.


Sunday's final day saw emotions running high.

Not only did Arsenal fans break down as their beloved club finally lifted the trophy, but a range of different Premier League legends said goodbye on an emotional final day.

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City lost their final game 2-1 to Aston Villa.

Just a few days ago, members of the City squad expected the Spaniard to stay with them for just one more year.

Yet after a decade of unprecedented dominance, Guardiola has opted to depart for a well-earnt sabatical.

Elsewhere, at Liverpool, players and fans paid tribute to Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson as they donned the club's iconic red jersey for the last time.

GB News will now take a look at how some big names bowed out on Sunday.

Premier League graphicHow the Premier League table looks after the final day of the 2025/26 season | GB NEWS

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola bowed out with a 2-1 loss as Aston Villa ruined Man City's party

Pep Guardiola bowed out with a 2-1 loss as Aston Villa ruined Man City's party

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The mastermind behind City’s decade of unprecedented dominance officially bowed out on a surprisingly sombre note, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the Etihad.

Although members of the City squad had reportedly expected the Spaniard to stay for another year, Guardiola has opted to step away for a well-earned sabbatical.

The 55-year-old was visibly moved as he applauded the supporters who have worshipped him throughout his tenure.

While the final result was disappointing and the Premier League crown ultimately slipped to Arsenal, Guardiola departs English football having redefined its tactical landscape and secured a historic legacy.

Bernardo Silva

A quintessential cog in Guardiola's formidable machine, Bernardo Silva also waved goodbye to the Etihad faithful after a glittering spell in Manchester

A quintessential cog in Guardiola's formidable machine, Bernardo Silva also waved goodbye to the Etihad faithful after a glittering spell in Manchester

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A quintessential cog in Guardiola's formidable machine, Bernardo Silva also waved goodbye to the Etihad faithful after a glittering spell in Manchester.

The Portuguese maestro played 59 minutes against Aston Villa before being substituted, unable to conjure one final piece of magic to salvage a result.

Fans rose to their feet in a standing ovation, acknowledging the tireless work rate and immense technical brilliance he provided over the years.

Though it was a frustrating final outing marked by a lack of clinical edge, Silva leaves as a true City legend, having been central to their multiple domestic triumphs.

John Stones

John Stones, the elegant defender who famously redefined his role by stepping into midfield under Guardiola, also marked his final chapter in sky blue

John Stones, the elegant defender who famously redefined his role by stepping into midfield under Guardiola, also marked his final chapter in sky blue

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John Stones, the elegant defender who famously redefined his role by stepping into midfield under Guardiola, also marked his final chapter in sky blue.

The "Barnsley Beckenbauer" played 77 minutes of the 2-1 defeat before making his exit, completing 34 accurate passes in a trademark composed display.

Despite the disappointing scoreline, the crowd roared in appreciation for a player who has been foundational to City’s modern era.

Stones evolved from a highly scrutinised prospect into one of Europe's premier ball-playing centre-halves, and his emotional wave to the stands signaled the end of a truly remarkable personal journey in Manchester.

Mohamed Salah

In his 442nd and final appearance for the club, the Egyptian King proved his enduring class in the 58th minute by delivering a sharp, perfectly weighted assist for Curtis Jones to open the scoring against Brentford

In his 442nd and final appearance for the club, Mohamed Salah proved his enduring class in the 58th minute by delivering a sharp, perfectly weighted assist for Curtis Jones to open the scoring against Brentford

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In his 442nd and final appearance for the club, the Egyptian King proved his enduring class in the 58th minute by delivering a sharp, perfectly weighted assist for Curtis Jones to open the scoring against Brentford.

After a dangerous three-shot display, Salah was substituted in the 73rd minute to a thunderous, standing ovation from the Anfield crowd.

He left the pitch visibly in tears as the weight of his departure from Merseyside sank in.

Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson applauds the Liverpool fans for the last time

Andy Robertson applauds the Liverpool fans for the last time

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The energetic left-back put in a trademark, gritty shift for his 338th and final Liverpool outing.

Robertson heavily influenced the left flank, completing 41 accurate passes and solidifying the backline before his own highly emotional substitution in the 82nd minute.

Both departing legends received roaring, in-game guards of honour from the fans, bowing out with a hard-fought 1-1 draw that securely locked in Champions League football for next season.