Forever similar, invariably different, paired but rarely compatible, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard bowed out together on Sunday. Their destination is America and they departed as scorers.
But, typically, that was all they had in common. Gerrard exited amid the ignominy of Liverpool's 6-1 thrashing at Stoke.
Lampard had an altogether happier farewell and the tributes to him have been quieter but his Manchester City career ended with appreciation, rather than the outpouring of love directed at Gerrard.
Lampard captained City for the first and last time, the finisher supreme going with another fine finish. His 177th Premier League goal was steered in from David Silva’s cross.
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He was one of three City players to take their leave, in seemingly stage-managed exits and to standing ovations, but the only one who is guaranteed to be going.
James Milner bade farewell in a manner that seemed definitive, waving to each stand. City have improved their offer of a new contract but Arsenal and Liverpool are keen on the midfielder.
“He is a very important player,” said Manuel Pellegrini, who has come to admire the Englishman’s versatility, unselfishness and ability, but perhaps he joined Milner’s fan club too late.
Underused last season, he has been integral this season despite the knee injury that Pellegrini claimed accounted for his removal. This, he argued, was not a case of the manager being sentimental. “I think the only player that said goodbye was Frank Lampard,” the City manager said. Certainly the veteran was the only one given the bumps by his teammates.
But Yaya Toure, too, was substituted to loud applause, and Inter Milan’s willingness to sign the Ivorian is no secret. He has been a central figure during five seasons in a City shirt and the profound applause amounted to recognition of a colossal contribution.
Unlike Milner, Toure was inscrutable, like him, he may be irreplaceable.
Paul Pogba apart, there are few who can replicate Toure’s physical and technical qualities.
“Every year teams need some change and new faces,” said Pellegrini, turning his thoughts towards arrivals, yet there is the possibility departures will weaken City considerably.
The consolation for them is that the future of their two outstanding individuals this season is not in doubt – Silva, as ever, exuded class, while Aguero was wasteful but a relentless determination to score goals brought its reward with a tap in for his 26th of the league campaign.
“It is difficult not to be impressed with Sergio,” Pellegrini said. This, he argued, is the norm. “I know what a player he is. It is very important for him to win the Golden Boot for the first time in his career. I am sure we will see ‘Kun’ as a better player in the next years.”
City must hope so. They ended this season in second place and with six successive victories. Yet though they embarked on a lap of honour, such are the standards they have set that it did not feel like a triumph.
They want more, but the danger is their midfield will be depleted by departures and their squad gets worse before it gets better.
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