Guardiola’s Manchester City tenure concludes with 17 trophies and farewell event
NBA legend Michael Jordan delivers video tribute as club celebrates cup double and secures key contract extensions
Pep Guardiola has concluded his 10-year tenure as Manchester City manager, ending a period defined by institutional stability and record-breaking success. The departure was marked by a farewell event at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, attended by a sellout crowd of 19,000 fans. The gathering served to formalise the end of an era in which Guardiola secured 17 major trophies, cementing the club’s status as a dominant force in English football.
The event featured a video message from NBA legend Michael Jordan, who congratulated Guardiola on his retirement. Jordan, a six-time National Basketball Association champion, addressed the departing manager directly, wishing him luck on the golf links and advising him to "keep them straight." The tribute underscored the global profile of Guardiola’s achievements, extending beyond the pitch into broader sporting culture.
Guardiola’s final speech emphasised the institutional bonds formed during his time at the club. He expressed profound gratitude to the fans and staff, noting the personal significance of having his 95-year-old father, Valentin, attend the final match at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola described the emotional connection with the city as a defining element of his tenure, stating that the gratitude he felt would remain with him for the rest of his life.
The farewell also functioned as a strategic announcement for the club’s future governance. Striker Khadija Shaw, the club’s record scorer, confirmed on stage that she had signed a new four-year contract. This development resolves speculation regarding a potential move to Chelsea and signals the club’s intent to retain core talent within its women’s team structure.
Current and former players addressed the crowd, highlighting the transition of leadership. Erling Haaland stated his determination to maintain the club’s competitive edge following the departures of Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones. Former captain Vincent Kompany, now coaching Bayern Munich, and Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher were among those in attendance, alongside former players Fernandinho and Jack Grealish, who is currently on loan at Everton.
