Basketball icon Michael Jordan led a star-studded list of tributes as Pep Guardiola bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City after a trophy-laden decade in charge.
Guardiola, 55, announced last week that he would step down as City manager, bringing an end to a remarkable 10-year spell that delivered 20 trophies and transformed the club into one of Europe’s dominant forces.
Around 19,000 supporters gathered at Co-op Live for a farewell celebration packed with surprise appearances, emotional speeches and video tributes.
Jordan appeared on the arena’s big screen with a special message for Guardiola.
As reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, Jordan was quoted as saying, “I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career.”
The six-time NBA champion also referenced Guardiola’s love of golf, adding: “Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight. Congratulations.”
Former City captain Vincent Kompany, now in charge of Bayern Munich, made a surprise appearance at the event, drawing loud cheers from supporters.
English golfer Tommy Fleetwood also paid tribute to Guardiola in a video message.
“You deserve whatever you are about to do next. It is an honour to call you a friend and congratulations. You have been amazing,” Fleetwood added.
Veteran football manager Neil Warnock praised Guardiola’s achievements and influence on the game.
“I can’t quite believe you are leaving,” Warnock said. “I have seen off so many managers but you are top of the pile. The best manager I have ever seen,” Warnock stressed.
Earlier in the day, thousands of fans lined the streets of Manchester as the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams paraded their trophies through the city before arriving at the arena for the farewell celebration.
During the event, City women’s striker Khadija Shaw announced she had signed a new four-year contract with the club.
Guardiola’s children joined former captain Fernandinho, ex-director Txiki Begiristain and former goalkeeper Ederson in presenting the 20 trophies won during Guardiola’s reign.
An emotional Guardiola later addressed the crowd in an interview with Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame.
“First of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye,” Guardiola said.
“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 were also paid to departing players Bernardo Silva and John Stones, while striker Erling Haaland reflected on Guardiola’s successful era.
“It has been an amazing journey, but we need to keep pushing and fighting even without them,” Haaland said.
