Pep Guardiola announced he will step down as Manchester City manager after a decade in charge, having led the club to 20 trophies during his tenure, according to multiple sources [1, 2].
Guardiola managed his final game on Sunday, a 2-1 home defeat by Aston Villa in which he broke down in tears [1, 2]. The following day, Monday, an open-top bus parade through Manchester celebrated Guardiola and the club’s successes [1, 3, 2].
A farewell party was held at the Co-Op Live arena, attended by 19,000 supporters [1, 3, 2]. The event featured tributes from numerous figures including NBA legend Michael Jordan, who sent a congratulatory video message. "Hey, Pep, this is Michael Jordan. I just want to congratulate you on an unbelievable career. Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links, and keep them straight. Congratulations," Jordan said [1, 3].
British golfer Tommy Fleetwood and veteran football manager Neil Warnock also paid tribute, with Fleetwood calling Guardiola "amazing" and Warnock describing him as "the best manager I have ever seen" [2].
Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, now Bayern Munich’s head coach, joined the event alongside ex-city player Jack Grealish [1, 3, 2]. Guardiola’s three children appeared with former captain Fernandinho, ex-sporting director Txiki Begiristain, and former goalkeeper Ederson to bring out all 20 trophies won under Guardiola [1, 2].
City women’s striker Khadija Shaw announced she had signed a new four-year contract at the party [1, 3]. Superstar forward Erling Haaland said he aims to continue fighting for trophies even as Guardiola and veteran players Bernardo Silva and John Stones depart. "It has been an amazing journey, but we need to keep pushing and fighting even without them," Haaland said [3]. The event also celebrated the careers of Stones and Silva, who are leaving after their contracts expire [2].
Guardiola closed the event with a conversation alongside Oasis star Noel Gallagher, expressing deep gratitude to the club, leadership, and fans. "I feel tonight that really shows the connection this club has… I don't have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will have you in my heart," he said [2].
