Michael Jordan Leads Tribute at Guardiola's Farewell Party
Basketball legend Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, was among the prominent figures paying tribute to Pep Guardiola at the Manchester City manager's farewell event.
Guardiola, aged 55, announced last week that he will step down as Manchester City's manager after a decade at the helm, during which he guided the club to 20 trophies.
Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA players, and City's former captain Vincent Kompany were unexpected guests at Guardiola's send-off held at the Co-Op Live arena, where 19,000 supporters gathered.
"I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career,"
said Jordan in a video message displayed on the venue's large screen.
Known for his fondness for basketball and golf, Guardiola received further well-wishes from Jordan, who added:
"Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight. Congratulations."
British golfer Tommy Fleetwood also contributed a video message, stating:
"You deserve whatever you are about to do next.
It is an honour to call you a friend and congratulations. You have been amazing."
Veteran football manager Neil Warnock expressed his admiration for Guardiola, saying:
"I can't quite believe you are leaving. I have seen off so many managers but you are top of the pile.
The best manager I have ever seen."
Guardiola's final match in charge was a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, an emotional game in which he was visibly moved to tears.
Thousands Celebrate Guardiola in Manchester Parade
Earlier on Monday, thousands of Manchester City fans lined the streets to bid farewell to Guardiola. The club's successful men's, women's, and academy teams rode buses to the Etihad Stadium, where they were welcomed by a large crowd before proceeding to the Co-Op Live venue for the after party.
All three teams celebrated their trophy wins on stage. During the event, City women's striker Khadija Shaw surprised attendees by announcing she had signed a new four-year contract to remain at the club.
Guardiola's three children, alongside former captain Fernandinho, ex-sporting director Txiki Begiristain, and goalkeeper Ederson—who departed last summer—helped display all 20 trophies won under Guardiola's leadership.
Current Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany and midfielder Jack Grealish, who spent a season-long loan at Everton, made surprise appearances and were warmly received by the crowd.
Guardiola's Final Farewell and Reflections
Guardiola gave his final farewell in an interview with Oasis musician Noel Gallagher, saying:
"First of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye,"
"I feel tonight that really shows the connection this club has. [City chairman] Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all the people and all the City fans that were connected from the first minute.
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 captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, both of whom will leave the club this summer upon contract expiry.
Striker Erling Haaland spoke on stage about his teammates and Guardiola:
"It has been a pleasure to play with Bernardo and John - and of course Pep.
We won a lot of trophies and I was happy to play with Bernardo and John because they are amazing footballers but even better people deep down.
It has been an amazing journey, but we need to keep pushing and fighting even without them."
