Last Updated:
Michael Jordan paid tribute to Pep Guardiola during Manchester City’s farewell celebration for the Spaniard, who leaves after a trophy-filled decade at the club.
(Screengrabs from X)
Michael Jordan joined thousands of Manchester City fans on Monday night in paying tribute to departing manager Pep Guardiola during an emotional farewell celebration in Manchester.
Guardiola is stepping down after a decade at City, bringing an end to one of the most successful managerial eras in modern football.
And among the many tributes that poured in, one stood out.
Jordan, widely regarded as one of basketball’s greatest players, appeared in a surprise recorded video message shown during the club’s after-party event at the Co-op Live arena following City’s trophy parade.
Basketball great Michael Jordan sent Pep Guardiola a congratulatory message as he leaves Man City 🏀🤝⚽️“I didn’t know he knows me” was a star-struck Guardiola’s response 😅 pic.twitter.com/HWjdzkIocO
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 25, 2026
“Hey Pep. This is Michael Jordan. I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career,” the former Chicago Bulls star said.
Referencing Guardiola’s love for golf, Jordan added: “Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight. Congratulations.”
The message drew huge cheers from the crowd as Guardiola watched on from inside the arena.
Earlier in the day, thousands of fans lined the streets of Manchester as Guardiola joined City players and staff on an open-top bus parade towards the Etihad Stadium.
The Spaniard leaves the club after winning 20 trophies since arriving in 2016, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first-ever Champions League triumph in 2023.
City added the FA Cup and League Cup in Guardiola’s final season, although they finished second in the league behind Arsenal.
His final game in charge ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, with Guardiola visibly emotional after the final whistle.
The 55-year-old officially confirmed his decision to leave last week following days of speculation surrounding his future.
At Monday’s farewell event, several current and former City players carried every trophy won under Guardiola onto the stage in front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 19,000 fans.
The evening concluded with Guardiola sharing the stage with Oasis musician Noel Gallagher, a lifelong City supporter.
“I think, first of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye,” Guardiola told supporters.
“Thank you so much, I don’t have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will have you in my heart.”
(with AFP inputs)
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
