Pep Guardiola reveals what he said to tearful Mark Noble in embrace with retiring West Ham legend after Manchester City draw

Pep Guardiola has revealed what he told Mark Noble as the pair shared a heartwarming embrace after the West Ham legend’s final home game.

It was an emotional day for Noble, who struggled to hold back the tears, as he said farewell to the Hammers after an incredible 549 games for the club.

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Man City manager Guardiola bowed to the 35-year-old after the 2-2 draw on Sunday, before giving him a hug and saying a few things in his ear.

“I admire the trajectory of these type of football players,” Guardiola said, when asked about what he had said to Noble.

“All his career here, his home, West Ham. How many years, how many games… unfortunately it might be one of the last few cases we see in world football, a player stay a whole career [at one club].

“Hopefully he can stay in football because the knowledge he’s got will be incredible for English football, for the Premier League, for West Ham… on behalf of Man City, congratulations for his incredible, long career.”

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Noble made his debut for the Hammers in 2004 at the age of 17 and has been a one-club man.

There have been some wonderful moments for the midfielder and they have enjoyed notable further successes this season, including reaching the Europa League semi-finals.

Noble was given an incredible reception by the West Ham fans throughout the match, including a round of applause 16 minutes into the 2-2 draw with City – his shirt number.

Fans then stayed behind after the final whistle to pay their respects further to the Hammers legend.

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Rangers legend and talkSPORT host Ally McCoist said: “In this day and age, Mark Nobles are few and far between. We should appreciate under valued people like Mark Noble. One man club is just amazing.

“He’s had a fantastic career. He’ll correctly be held in such high esteem by all football supporters, but particularly West Ham supporters.

“There’s nothing like for a football supporter that one of your own playing at the club and loving the club as much as you do as a fan and come all the way through and stay.

“Mark Noble epitomises all that is good about a player showing loyalty to a club and the club showing loyalty to a player.

“It was very emotional watching it.

“I remember speaking to [David] Moyesy about him and said he was a top, top lad. I don’t know Mark Noble, but is just one of these guys you can tell is no problem at all.

“It was a quite emotional to watch it, but what and congratulations to him.”