Manager Pep hails history boys

London

Guardiola’s team capped an incredible campaign in dynamic fashion as Watford was put to the sword. Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus both scored two apiece, with David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne also on target. Just a week after winning a second successive Premier League crown, City’s record-equalling FA Cup final victory made it the first English club to win the English title, FA Cup and League Cup in the same season.

It is the first English top-flight team to register 50 wins in all competitions in a single campaign. Guardiola’s men also scored a record 169 goals in 61 games this season, beating its own previous best of 156. Guardiola admitted it was remarkable to watch his side scale such heights.

“It was an incredible final for us and we have finished an incredible year. To all the people at the club, a big congratulations, especially the players because they are the reason why we have won these titles,” he said. Although City finished as emphatic winner, the final could have been different if Watford had capitalised on a lively opening at Wembley. The Hornets wasted a golden chance in the 11th minute when Roberto Pereyra ran clear, only to see his shot saved by Ederson. Guardiola agreed the Brazilian’s save was a turning point.

Kompany to leave City

Belgian defender Vincent Kompany said on Sunday he would be leaving Manchester City and joining Anderlecht as player-manager.

“We’ve just seen the close of an incredible season. My 11th as a Blue. And I cannot believe I’m writing this but ... also my last as a Blue,” the City captain wrote in an open letter to fans on his Facebook page.

“Man City has given me everything. I’ve tried to give back as much as I possibly could. How often does someone get the chance to end such an important chapter, representing a club with such great history and tradition, in such a great fashion?” The time has come for me to go now,” he added.

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