Pep Guardiola lauded Yaya Toure's decisive contribution to Manchester City's era of success ahead of the Ivorian's final home match.
The outgoing midfielder's decorated eight-season stint is due to be celebrated in Wednesday's clash with Brighton and Hove Albion after City confirmed his contract would not be renewed.
Toure has proved an inspired signing since arriving from Barcelona, winning the Premier League three times, the Carabao Cup twice and the FA Cup once.
Guardiola, who sanctioned Toure's 2010 move to City while in charge of Barca, expects a fond farewell for the 34-year-old.
"It's a big occasion.