Manchester City fans lined the streets to celebrate their team's domestic cup double, marking the final farewell to manager Pep Guardiola after a decade at the club. The parade, which began in the Northern Quarter and concluded at the Colin Bell Stand reception at the Etihad Stadium, saw supporters waving scarves and flags in tribute to the Catalan coach.
Guardiola's Emotional Goodbye
Guardiola's departure was announced last week, and he led the team for his final match on Sunday, a defeat to Aston Villa at the Etihad. After the final whistle, he delivered an emotional farewell speech, saying: "I never expected to be here for 10 years. Manchester became my home. One more thing before you all go home for beers or wine or whatever... if in the next few years you see me in the streets anywhere around the world, if you are a Manchester City fan, come and hug me. I will need it." He added, "It has been a huge honour to represent this club. Every decision I took, even with all the mistakes, I always thought about what was best for this club. I love you so much."
Cup Double Success
Although City finished second in the Premier League behind Arsenal, they secured the domestic cup double. They beat rivals Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup in March, with Nico O'Reilly scoring twice at Wembley. Earlier in May, City defeated Chelsea to claim the FA Cup, Guardiola's third in England, with January signing Antoine Semenyo netting the second-half winner.
Record Attendance and Farewells
The Etihad, which recently opened its new North Stand, recorded a record attendance for the final game as fans celebrated their team and bid goodbye to the most successful manager in their history. Alongside Guardiola, club stalwarts John Stones and Bernardo Silva also departed, with Bernardo being the most used player of the Guardiola era. Both men won six Premier League titles and the Champions League during their time at the club.
Succession Plans
Reports indicate that Enzo Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola's assistant at City and most recently worked at Chelsea until January, will be his replacement. The incoming manager will inherit a squad that has undergone a transition, with new stars like Marc Guehi, Semenyo, and Rayan Cherki emerging as key figures.
