Basketball icon Michael Jordan paid tribute to Pep Guardiola as the departing Manchester City manager received a spectacular final sendoff. The celebrations featured an open-top bus parade through the streets of Manchester, followed by a sold-out arena after-party.
After the parade through the streets of Manchester, a sell-out crowd of 19,000 inside the Co-op Live arena saw a video message from Jordan to Guardiola on the big screen.
“Hey Pep, this is Michael Jordan. I just want to congratulate you on an unbelievable career. Enjoy your retirement,” Jordan stated in his video message. “Good luck on the links, and keep them straight. Congratulations,” the six-time NBA champion added, referencing the Spanish manager’s well-known passion for golf.
Guardiola’s departure brings the curtain down on a historic, record-breaking decade at the helm of Manchester City, a legendary tenure that yielded an astonishing 17 major trophies.
The star-studded event was attended in person by former City captain Vincent Kompany and Oasis rock star Noel Gallagher.
Striker Erling Haaland also took to the stage, expressing his determination to maintain City`s ruthless winning culture even as Guardiola and long-time club stalwarts Bernardo Silva and John Stones move on.
“It has been an up-and-down season, but we are going to try to keep pushing and try to fight to win the biggest trophies we can. It has been an absolute pleasure to play alongside Bernardo and John, and of course, under Pep. It has been an amazing journey, but we must continue to push forward and fight for success even without them.” Haaland said.
Emotional Pep bids City goodbye
Several former fan favourites returned for the occasion, including midfielder Fernandinho and winger Jack Grealish, a key member of the historic 2023 treble-winning squad who spent the latest campaign out on loan with Everton.
Pep Guardiola offered a heartfelt final message to the Manchester City faithful as he said his goodbyes to players, staff and Man City fans.
“Thank you so much for coming here tonight to say bye. I have felt a deep connection with this club from my very first minute here. Thank you all so much; I don`t possess enough words to express my gratitude. I will carry this bond with me for the rest of my life.”Pep Guardiola concluded.
(With AP Inputs)
