"I am really pleased for him but a little bit sad because we're losing a fantastic professional, a good player and a good person too," said the boss.
"I told him before the game I wanted to wait until the last minute, but the fans were pushing. At the end it was better [that he came on earlier than the last minute] because he almost scored.
"I was thinking about him coming on in the last minute and all the fans applauding him until the end.
"It has been 10 years and he's an idol here with the fans. Everyone loves him because he's been so good."