The Catalan, who joined Manchester City in July 2016, brought his ten-year reign to an end having won every major honour available to him in English football and beyond. He will leave this summer as the most decorated manager in the club's history, with City confirming he will continue a relationship with the City Football Group as a global ambassador.
The farewell began in the Northern Quarter, where fans had been gathering since early morning outside the City Football Academy, hoping for a glimpse of a man who had already packed up his apartment — furniture in removal vans, only a bed remaining — before arriving at work on Sunday.
By bank holiday Monday, the city centre was his for the day.
Four open-top buses moved along Great Ancoats Street and through Ancoats as Guardiola waved alongside players and outgoing club figures. Bernardo Silva, making his final appearance for the club after a decade of service, and long-serving defender John Stones were among those taking it all in from the buses.
Vincent Kompany and Jack Grealish joined them on stage as all 20 trophies won during the Guardiola era were brought out one by one. Former players, staff, and supporters who had been part of the journey were present throughout.
Erling Haaland promised the crowd a stronger league campaign next season.
"The feeling is we could've done more," he said, "but I think there is more to come."
Jeremy Doku was characteristically direct: "He deserves his rest."
Inside the Co-op Live arena, 19,000 gathered for an after-party where Guardiola — who had sung Wonderwall on his way into the stadium — addressed supporters he described as having been with him from the first minute.
Video messages arrived from Michael Jordan and Tommy Fleetwood. Noel Gallagher was present. Alex Ferguson called last week to congratulate him on his longevity.
The succession plan is already in motion. Enzo Maresca, Guardiola's former assistant at City, is the expected appointment to take his place. It is a tough gig — but it comes with Guardiola's blessing.
Whether that blueprint can function without its architect is the question City fans will spend the next season trying to answer.