David Unsworth said Peter Clarke got the send-off that he deserved after playing his last game for Oldham Athletic.
Whether, at the age of 41, it proves to be the last game of the defender's professional career has yet to be confirmed.
But Unsworth believes it was a fitting farewell from Boundary Park, as Clarke ended his long-term loan from Walsall, and signed off his second spell with Latics.
After completing a lap of appreciation following their 1-1 draw at home to Bromley, who finished in the final play-off spots in seventh, the players, staff and Clarke's wife and parents formed a guard of honour as the former Everton, Blackpool and Huddersfield stopper left the pitch.
"It's all about Peter. What a fabulous, amazing career, and I thought it was an amazing send-off, and I thank the fans for that. I thought the fans were amazing," said Latics boss Unsworth, who at Everton played alongside Clarke on his professional debut.
"I've never seen Peter cry in my life and he was in tears in that changing room, and quite rightly so. What an amazing career, and for his mum and dad, his wife and his children, his family, to all be here is amazing.
"He's been a great servant to this football club, he's a great guy. It's a phenomenal achievement, absolutely amazing achievement to be still playing at the age that he is. He has got total respect in that dressing room, and in any dressing room up and down the country, they know who Peter Clarke is and I think that's amazing."
Liam Hogan handed over the captain's armband when Clarke came on as a 77th replacement for Mike Fondop, and played the remainder of the game up front.
"That's the respect that he commands, and that's Liam being the top guy that he is," added Unsworth.
"It's been a lovely day for Peter.
"I love the guy, he's a great guy. I'm sure he'll let you know in due course what his plans are.
"He will always be welcome down at this football club at any time."
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