Basketball legend Michael Jordan was among the star names to pay tribute to Pep Guardiola at a farewell event marking the end of his decade in charge of Manchester City.
Guardiola, 55, announced last week that he will be stepping down as manager after leading the club to 20 trophies over ten years. Around 19,000 supporters packed out the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester for the send-off.
Jordan, one of basketball’s all-time greats, appeared via a video message on the big screen. Knowing of Guardiola’s love of golf, he said: “Congratulations on an unbelievable career. Enjoy your retirement, good luck on the links and keep them straight.”
British golfer Tommy Fleetwood also sent a video message, calling it an honour to know Guardiola and wishing him well for whatever comes next. Veteran manager Neil Warnock went further, calling him the best manager he had ever seen.
Earlier in the day, thousands of City fans had lined the streets of Manchester to say a final farewell as the men’s, women’s and academy squads were driven through the city on buses before heading to the arena.
All three teams celebrated their trophy successes on stage, with a surprise announcement coming from City women’s striker Khadija Shaw, who revealed she had signed a new four-year contract to stay at the club.
Former captain Fernandinho, ex-sporting director Txiki Begiristain and goalkeeper Ederson, who left last summer, helped bring out all 20 trophies won under Guardiola. Current Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany and midfielder Jack Grealish were also surprise guests, both receiving loud cheers from the crowd.
Guardiola gave his final farewell in an interview conducted by Oasis star Noel Gallagher, thanking the fans and the club and saying he would carry them in his heart for the rest of his life.
Tributes were also paid to captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, who will both leave the club this summer when their contracts expire. Striker Erling Haaland praised both players on stage, saying it had been a pleasure to play alongside them and that they were even better people than they were footballers.
Guardiola’s last game in charge was Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa, a match in which he was seen breaking down in tears on the touchline.
