EPL players, managers saying goodbye this weekend

From Manuel Pellegrini and Tim Howard to Julian Speroni and probably John Terry, we wipe the tears from our eyes to pay tribute to the dearly departing Premier League players and managers.

Last summer was a vintage one for Premier League departures.

Steven Gerrard left Liverpool to join Robbie Keane’s wingman in LA, Didier Drogba headed to Montreal, Brad Friedel retired, Roberto Soldado returned to Spain and Frank Lampard moved to New York to not play football.

Now, with one game of the season left, it’s time to look at the latest batch of veterans, want-aways and undesirables.

Manuel Pellegrini heads the list of those definitely leaving, alongside Guus Hiddink, Tim Howard, Quique Sanchez Flores and Radamel Falcao.

Confirmed exit:  Manuel Pellegrini

Where’s he going?

Somewhere they might appreciate his gentle-grandpa shtick. Probably not one of Europe’s real megaclubs after the mild disappointment of his time at Man City

Highlight

Winning the Premier League with Manchester City and taking club to their first ever Uefa Champions League semi final.

Lowlight

Perhaps it’s the recency effect, but the Champions League surrender against Real Madrid felt like his final epitaph. City were bloodless and directionless, failing to muster a shot on target when a single goal could have taken them to the final. Pellegrini could not seem to find the answer.

Guus Hiddink

Where’s he going?

Back into the glass box marked ‘Break in case of emergency’ located in an anteroom next to Roman Abramovich’s office.

Highlight

This time around, probably the 1-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates . Although the Battle of the Bridge against Spurs was also pretty fun – and funny.

Lowlight

Getting clobbered at home by Manchester City wasn’t a great way to spend an afternoon. Not that you would have known it from Uncle Guus’s serene exterior.

Radamel Falcao

Where’s he going?

Back to Monaco, initially, probably for a massage and a good lie-down. Then, who knows? Maybe the MLS or China?

Highlight

Hahahaha! Oh, you’re serious? Probably scoring the winner for Man United against Everton in October 2014..

Lowlight

Getting hauled off after an hour a United cup game against Preston . His poor, incredulous face.

Tim Howard

Where’s he going?

Stateside, baby: the goalkeeper is heading to Colorado Rapids. That’s the name of the football team rather than the local waterfall… although we have to assume that Howard, with that beard, will be indulging in a bit of light survivalism in his spare time. Just for personal pleasure.

Highlight

Howard shone in the 2009 FA Cup semi-final against former club Man United, saving twice in the penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw.

Lowlight

Howard had a nightmare start to the 2015/16 season, making notable errors against Arsenal, Stoke and Swansea. He’s only played once since January.

Quique Sanchez Flores

Where’s he going?

We don’t know yet. But he’s leaving Watford FC.

Highlight

Keeping the Hornets well away from the relegation battle in his first season in English football. Looking like the zenith of the male form.

Lowlight

I’ve got nothing. Might have had one or two hairs out of place on a windy day once.

Probable exit: John Terry

Is he going?

John Terry has been offered a new deal from Chelsea, but is it too late? If he wants to move on, MLS could be an option. Frankie and Ash are there, after all.

Highlight

Where to start? 700 games for his boyhood club, four league titles, five FA Cups, a PFA Player of the Year gong… Terry has won it all and been one of the best defenders in the world over the last 15 years or so.