Thousands of Manchester City fans turned the city’s streets blue to celebrate the team’s historic Premier League title win. Pep Guardiola’s side made history by becoming the first team in the English top-flight to win the title in four consecutive seasons, lifting the trophy on May 19.
Despite inclement weather, fans lined the streets to cheer during the team’s parade from the National Football Museum to a big stage outside the Hilton hotel on Deansgate. The parade started late in the evening due to the Greater Manchester Run taking place earlier that day.
Fans were treated to views of the Premier League trophy, the Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. However, the FA Cup was notably missing, something Guardiola acknowledged as he expressed his determination to win it next season. “We will be back next season,” Guardiola told Radio Manchester. “The FA Cup, we will take it.”
With one year left on his contract, there is speculation about Guardiola’s future at the club. He reflected on his tenure, saying, “Even myself, I couldn’t expect to stay here eight years but everything goes well. Step by step we are here. It looks routine but it’s not routine.” When asked if he would “please stay forever,” the 53-year-old laughed.
Erling Haaland, the club’s star striker, expressed his satisfaction after a season in which he won his second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot, scoring 27 league goals and 38 in all competitions. “It’s been lovely again and a fourth in a row, it’s amazing this club,” Haaland said. “I’m so proud of everybody and happy. There have been many good moments but when we knew we were going to win the league, I have to say [that was the best]. The support home and away has been unbelievable. I’m proud. What can I say?”
City supporter Clare highlighted the season’s historic nature, praising Kevin De Bruyne as her and her daughter’s favorite player. “The support from the fans has been brilliant,” she said. Sean, who brought his family to the parade, appreciated the team’s winning mentality and emphasized that he did not “take it for granted.” Nathan, who attended the parade with his father and has been a season ticket holder for 20 years, humorously remarked that he “wasn’t that happy being dragged to games when I was a kid,” but added that it has “got a bit better since my teens,” grinning.
