The 39-year-old Wycombe Wanderers star – described by Pep Guardiola as ‘legendary striker’ – was substituted on 65 minutes with his side trailing 4-1.
As the Wycombe skipper started his walk off, a round of applause swept around the Etihad that included many City fans standing to salute one of the game’s most likeable characters.
Akinfenwa, who has described this season as his final chapter, applauded all four sides of the ground as he walked off and waved to the City fans as he left the pitch.
Today, he reflected on a memorable evening in Manchester, despite the Chairboys losing 6-1 - along with Pep’s comment that it had been ‘a pleasure to meet’ Akinfenwa.
“I was a bit disappointed that we just kind of ran out of legs at the end but it’s an experience against one of the best teams in the world,” said Akinfenwa.
“I heard what Pep Guardiola said about me and I am honestly humbled by his words.
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“And as for the ovation the City fans gave me, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to them all.
“It was a really classy thing to do and it’s another special moment and memory for me to look back on that I will add to my final chapter as a footballer.”
