Basketball legend Michael Jordan joined thousands of Manchester City fans in paying tribute to Pep Guardiola at the manager’s farewell party on Monday, delivering a surprise recorded video message that left the departing coach visibly starstruck inside the Co-op Live Arena. The event followed an open-top bus parade through Manchester, where Guardiola rode with City’s players and staff to the Etihad Stadium as fans lined the streets to salute the Spaniard after a glorious decade in charge. Later, in front of a sell-out 19,000 crowd at the Co-op Live ‘after-party’, 20 trophies won during Guardiola’s ten-year tenure were carried onto the stage by club legends, former captains, and current stars, each displayed on a 30-metre table as a visual record of his era.
Jordan’s message was shown on the big screen during the celebration. “Hey Pep. This is Michael Jordan. I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career,” the six-time NBA champion said, referencing Guardiola’s well-known passion for golf by adding, “Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight. Congratulations”. Guardiola, a huge NBA fan, admitted he was stunned by the tribute, saying, “I didn’t know that Michael Jordan knew I was leaving”.
The 55-year-old is stepping down after winning 20 trophies since arriving in 2016, including six Premier League titles and City’s first Champions League crown in 2023. In his final season he led City to the FA Cup and League Cup, though the club finished second in the Premier League behind champions Arsenal and lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa in Guardiola’s last game on Sunday, with the manager reduced to tears after the final whistle. His decision to leave was officially announced on Friday after several days of speculation.
The farewell featured contributions from across City’s past and present, with Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho, Noel Gallagher, Mike Summerbee and Erling Haaland among those who carried silverware onto the stage, while former director of football Txiki Begiristain opened the procession. Guardiola closed the night with an on-stage interview alongside Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher, thanking supporters for coming to say goodbye. The Jordan tribute capped a show of force marking Guardiola’s transformation of City into a global power and the deep connection he forged with the club and its fans over ten years.
