Pep Guardiola has already found Yaya Toure's replacement at Man City
Yaya Toure said goodbye to Manchester City with his final home game for the Premier League champions.
James Robson
Yaya Toure said goodbye - but like all the greats, his presence will be felt on this stage long after he's departed.
Is the Ivorian Manchester City's greatest ever player?
Possibly.
That's one to be debated between generations of fans.
But perhaps no other player symbolised the modern metamorphosis of City more than Toure.
Eight years ago he swapped the very best at Barcelona for the promise of what might be at a club awash with money - but determined to be taken seriously by the established elite of world football.
He walks away with that mission very much accomplished.
That this 3-1 win against Brighton was his first Premier League start in the most overwhelming of title triumphs for City, is evidence enough that his job is done.
But his role in creating a platform for Pep Guardiola to produce such a dominant team has been significant.
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Goals in the semi final and final of the FA Cup in 2011 forced Manchester United to pull down THAT banner - ending City's major trophy drought.
Two Premier League titles and two League Cups before this season have left an indelible mark on this club - on football in this country.
But the truth is City no longer need their one time talisman.
For so long Toure was the man to get them out of a hole - to make the difference when it really counted.
It is measure of their evolution under Guardiola that they no longer rely on one or two individuals.
Six players have scored in double figures this season.
Toure said goodbye to City in his final home game.
Bernardo Silva has been more of a fringe figure in his first campaign at the Etihad, yet his strike - which set a new Premier League record of 104 goals for City - was his ninth in all competitions.
Guardiola plans to recruit a midfielder this summer - with Jorginho high on his list of targets - but it won't be to replace Toure, rather offer back up to Fernadninho. The City manager has already replaced the 34-year-old with a team full of harmful intent.
Instead of his locomotive runs into the box, City bewilder opponents with the darting bursts of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus, Sergio Aguero - the ghostly movement of David Silva and Bernardo.
But if one player has taken over the mantel from Toure it is Kevin de Bruyne, who in any other season would have dominated the individual honours.
Man City v Brightn player ratings
The Belgian is symbolic of a new era.
Rather than the individual brilliance of Toure, he is a conductor and facilitator.
He makes Guardiola's team sing - and has taken City to even greater heights.
But for one night only, this was a chance for Toure to belt out the old classics.
While this was an occasion of celebration and thanks for his achievements, it was also an opportunity for him to make a statement of his own.
He is convinced he could have played more of a role in City's success this season.
City fans showed their appreciation for Toure. (Image: Getty Images Europe)
In shape and still hungry, he believes he has more to offer the game - particularly in this country.
A Premier League club in the north west is his preference, which will surely see Everton, Burnley, Huddersfield and further affield Wolves, beat down a path to his door in the coming weeks.
Other suitors are sure to be tempted too after a night when he showcased glimpses of the talent that has made him one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League era.
The odd flick here, a shimmy there, and one lung-busting first half run that rolled back the years and left yellow Brighton shirts in his wake, offered a tantalising promise of what he can still contribute.
Man City vs Brighton Highlights
It was too much to ask for Toure to come up with a farewell goal.
Instead a record-breaking 31st Premier League win of the season came courtesy of first half goals from Danilo and Bernardo, either side of Leonardo Ulloa's header for Brighton.
Danilo fired past Mathew Ryan after a slick one-two between Sane and Fernandinho in the 16th minute.
Ulloa headed home an equaliser four minutes later when Claudio Bravo was left in no-man's land - but Bernardo restored City's lead 11 minutes before half time.
Toure showed glimpses of the old magic. (Image: Getty Images Europe)
Fernandinho rounded off the scoring on 72 minutes - drilling a low shot home from a neatly-worked short corner.
With just five minutes left on the clock, the final call was made - Toure replaced by Lukas Nmecha.
To a man, every City player on the pitch ran to embrace him, while the stadium erupted in rapturous applause.
Farewell to a legend.
Going, but never to be forgotten.
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