News Focus
- Pep Guardiola ends his ten-year reign at Manchester City with a celebration of 20 major trophies
- Basketball icon Michael Jordan delivers surprise video tribute to the departing Spanish manager
- Former captain Vincent Kompany and on-loan winger Jack Grealish make shock appearances at Co-Op Live arena
- City striker Khadija Shaw announces a new four-year contract during the evening’s celebrations
- Captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones confirm they will leave the club this summer
Pep Guardiola has closed a historic chapter at Manchester City with an emotional farewell ceremony attended by 19,000 supporters and a host of global sporting icons. The 55-year-old Spanish coach departs the Etihad Stadium after a remarkable decade that transformed the club into England’s most successful side.
Basketball superstar Michael Jordan headlined the guest list at the Co-Op Live arena, sending a recorded message that thrilled the audience. The Chicago Bulls legend praised Guardiola’s achievements and offered warm wishes for his future away from football. “I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career,” Jordan told the crowd via the big screen. “Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight.”
British golfer Tommy Fleetwood also appeared in a video clip, describing Guardiola as a close friend and praising his impact on the sport. Veteran manager Neil Warnock delivered a glowing tribute, calling the Catalan coach the finest manager he has ever watched. “I cannot quite believe you are leaving,” Warnock stated. “I have seen off so many managers but you are top of the pile.”
The evening featured several unexpected appearances. Vincent Kompany, who currently manages Bayern Munich, returned to honour his former boss. Winger Jack Grealish, spending this season on loan at Everton, also joined the celebrations to loud cheers from the crowd.
Earlier on Monday, supporters lined the streets of Manchester for an open-top bus parade. The men’s, women’s and academy teams displayed their trophies before heading to the arena. Guardiola’s children joined former captain Fernandinho, ex-sporting director Txiki Begiristain and former goalkeeper Ederson in presenting all 20 titles won during the manager’s reign.
During the ceremony, women’s team striker Khadija Shaw surprised fans by announcing she had signed a new four-year deal to stay at the club. The event also confirmed that captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones will depart when their contracts expire this summer. Striker Erling Haaland led tributes to the outgoing pair, describing them as exceptional footballers and even better people.
Guardiola shared his final thoughts in a conversation with Oasis musician Noel Gallagher. “First of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye,” he told the supporters. “I feel tonight that really shows the connection this club has. Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all the people and all the City fans that were connected from the first minute. Thank you so much, I do not have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will have you in my heart.”
The celebrations followed Guardiola’s final match in charge, a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday that left the normally composed manager in tears on the touchline.