Jordan leads star names at Guardiola leaving party

Basketball icon Michael Jordan was among the notable personalities paying tribute to Pep Guardiola during the farewell party for the Manchester City manager.

Guardiola, 55, recently announced that he would be stepping down after ten successful years in charge, during which he guided the club to 20 trophies.

Jordan, regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, and former City captain Vincent Kompany were unexpected guest speakers at the send-off, held at Co-Op Live arena and attended by 19,000 fans.

"I just wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career," stated Chicago Bulls legend Jordan in a video message broadcast to the audience.

Having a passion for basketball and golf, Guardiola was wished well by Jordan, who added: "Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links and keep them straight. Congratulations."

British golfer Tommy Fleetwood also recorded a message for the occasion, 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 manager Neil Warnock expressed his disbelief at Guardiola’s departure, remarking: "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 at the helm was a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, during which he was visibly emotional.

On the day following the match, numerous City fans gathered in the streets of Manchester to say their goodbyes to Guardiola.

The successful men's, women's, and academy teams were transported on buses to the Etihad Stadium, where they received a warm welcome from the crowd before proceeding to Co-Op Live for the celebratory 'after party.'

All three teams commemorated their trophy successes on stage, with City women's striker Khadija Shaw surprising attendees by announcing her new four-year contract with the club.

Guardiola's children, alongside former captain Fernandinho, ex-sporting director Txiki Begiristain, and goalkeeper Ederson - who departed last summer - came forward to display the 20 trophies won during Guardiola's tenure.

Current Bayern Munich coach Kompany and midfielder Jack Grealish, who had a loan stint at Everton, made surprise appearances that were met with enthusiastic cheers from the attendees.

In a heartfelt farewell interview with Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher, Guardiola expressed gratitude to those gathered. "First of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye," he said. "I feel tonight truly demonstrates the connection this club has. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and everyone associated with the club have been connected from the very beginning. Thank you so much, I can never express enough gratitude. For the rest of my life, you will be in my heart."

Tributes were also extended to captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, who will likewise depart the club at the conclusion of their contracts this summer.

Striker Erling Haaland addressed the crowd, stating: "It has been a pleasure to play alongside Bernardo and John - and of course Pep. We have achieved a lot of trophies together, and I have been happy to share the pitch with Bernardo and John because not only are they incredible footballers, but they are even better people. It has been an amazing journey, but we must continue to strive and compete even without them."