Pep Guardiola bade farewell to thousands of Manchester City fans during the club’s trophy parade and “after party” at Co-Op Live. The City manager announced last week that he would step down from his role after 10 years at the club.
The Spaniard played his final game in charge, where City suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday. On Monday, City’s successful men’s, women’s and academy teams were driven on buses to Etihad Stadium, where they were greeted by a waiting crowd. All three teams celebrated their trophy victories on stage at the Co-Op Live. Women’s Player of the Year Khadija Shaw also made a surprise announcement that she signed a four-year deal with City.
Guardiola’s three children, former captain Fernandinho, ex-sporting director Txiki Begiristain and goalkeeper Ederson helped bring out all 20 trophies he won for the club. Bayern Munich boss Kompany and midfielder Jack Grealish, who spent a season-long loan spell at Everton, also made surprise appearances.
“First of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye,” said Guardiola in his final goodbye during an interview with Oasis star Noel Gallagher.
“I feel tonight that really shows the connection this club has. [City chairman] Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all the people and all the City fans that were connected from the first minute.
“Thank you so much, I don’t have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will have you in my heart.”
Tributes pour in as Guardiola bids farewell to City
Sports legends also paid tribute to Pep Guardiola as the City manager bade his farewell to the club at Co-Op Live. Basketball legend Michael Jordan led a list of stars to make appearances at the event.
“I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career,” Jordan said via a video message played on the big screen inside the venue.
“Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight. Congratulations,” the Chicago Bulls legend added, referring to Guardiola’s fondness for basketball and golf.
British golfer Tommy Fleetwood also delivered a video message. He said: “You deserve whatever you are about to do next.
“It is an honour to call you a friend and congratulations. You have been amazing.”
Veteran manager Neil Warnock also said: “I can’t quite believe you are leaving. I have seen off so many managers but you are top of the pile.
“The best manager I have ever seen.”
Erling Haaland, who is this season’s Premier League Golden Boot winner with 27 goals, paid tribute to Guardiola, as well as City captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones who are also leaving the club.
“It has been a pleasure to play with Bernardo and John – and of course Pep,” the Norwegian said.
“We won a lot of trophies and I was happy to play with Bernardo and John because they are amazing footballers but even better people deep down.
“It has been an amazing journey, but we need to keep pushing and fighting even without them.”
