Sergio Aguero said his final goodbyes to Manchester City on Sunday, scoring twice throughout the Premier League leaders' 5-0 thrashing of Everton.
After coming off the bench with 25 minutes remaining, City's top goalscorer, who is departing the club next week after the Champions League final, blasted a quickfire double.
His heroics were supplemented to previous goals by Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, and Phil Foden as City displayed no indications of letting up ahead of the showpiece game against Chelsea in Porto.
After the game, manager Pep Guardiola burst into tears, characterizing Aguero as a "unique individual for everyone."
“He helped me a lot,” City manager Pep Guardiola spoke as fans cheered in the seats. “We won't be able to replace him. There are numerous players at this club, and Joe Hart and David Silva have enabled us to become the club that we are.”
Everton fans were overwhelmed with emotion when City was presented with the Premier League trophy and fans returned to the stadium after a 14-month absence because of coronavirus constraints.
This was the first occasion for supporters to honor the victors and recognize their European triumphs.
Only 10,000 people were allowed into the Etihad, but the mood they created motivated the players, and few people departed until the post-game celebrations, which featured the club's homage to Aguero.
Everton created a guard of honor to welcome City onto the field, while players from both teams did the same for Aguero. Fans will have to wait to watch the Argentine in action.
After being hindered by injury in recent weeks, the striker was unable to play the full 90 minutes and requested manager Pep Guardiola if he might start from the bench.
With just under half an hour remained, City threw on Aguero, who instantly made an imprint.
In the 71st minute, the Argentine jinked across the area and neatly flicked the ball past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with the outstep of his right boot to make it 4-0.
Moments later, he added his second and City's fifth goal, leaping from the outside of the box to smash a header beyond Pickford from a Fernandinho cross.
He might have had a hat-trick when he struck with another header, but Pickford saved this time.
Liverpool and Chelsea snatched the remaining two Champions League spots in a thrilling season finale, leaving Leicester disappointed for the second year in a row.
With Manchester City almost assured of a third title in four years and Manchester United set to finish second, the struggle for the last two spots in the top four was the priority.
United finished the season without losing an away game, defeating Wolves 2-1 at Molineux. With an eye on next week's Europa League final and second place in the standings secured, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rested the most of his important players against a Wolves team playing for the final time under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Just one point segregated Chelsea in third position and Leicester in fifth position heading into the 38th and final round of games.
Liverpool won 2-0 at home against Crystal Palace thanks to two Sadio Mane goals, while Thomas Tuchel's side was aided by a late Leicester collapse against Tottenham at the King Power Stadium.
Chelsea fell 2-1 against Aston Villa but instead was saved by Brendan Rodgers' FA Cup winners' 4-2 defeat.
Liverpool, who had been plagued by a spate of injuries and uneven play early this season, has been outstanding down the stretch, winning eight of their last ten games to secure their place in Europe's premier club championship.
Chelsea, the beaten FA Cup finalists last week, would be relieved that Tottenham did a favor to them, given their season was starting to disintegrate in the closing weeks.
They may now meet Manchester City in the Champions League final without the extra strain of needing to win to qualify for the competition the following season.
Leicester, who were forced to settle for a Europa League berth, were also knocked out of the top four on the last day of the previous season when they were defeated by Manchester United.
West Ham also qualified for the Europa League after defeating Southampton 3-0, although Fulham, West Bromwich Albion, and Sheffield United had already been demoted.
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