The streets of Manchester were blanketed in a thick cloud of sky-blue confetti yesterday, but the atmosphere was completely different from the triumphs of years past. While thousands of fans lined the roads in scorching 31-degree heat to celebrate Manchester City’s Carabao Cup and FA Cup victories, the parade quickly transformed into an emotionally charged farewell party for three icons who defined the most successful decade in the club’s history.
Waving from the top of the sky-blue buses were departing legends John Stones and Bernardo Silva, alongside the mastermind of it all, manager Pep Guardiola. Following their final matches at the Etihad over the weekend, yesterday’s open-top parade and a massive 17,000-capacity After Party at the Co-op Live arena gave the City faithful one last chance to say thank you.
“Johnny, Johnny Stones” Signs Off After a Decade
For John Stones, the parade capped off an unbelievable ten-year journey in Manchester. Having arrived in 2016 alongside Pep, the England defender leaves the Etihad with a staggering haul of 20 major trophies.
Taking the microphone at the Co-op Live arena, an visibly emotional Stones struggled to find the words to describe his bond with the supporters.
“It’s absolutely everything, it’s something that, from the bottom of my heart, I can’t explain,” Stones told the roaring crowd. “But honestly I love you all and can’t thank you enough for all the support over the years… I hope I’ve done every single one of you proud in how I played and how I represented the club.”
Stones also took a moment to pay tribute to his close friend and fellow departee, Bernardo Silva, reminiscing about their first encounter when Bernardo was playing for Monaco in 2017. “To spend nine years with this player, this guy, this friend, has been an absolute pleasure… I think I can speak on behalf of everyone in this arena that we’ll all miss Bernardo and miss seeing him play. His elegance on the pitch, his class, his wizardry. I love him to bits.”
Tears from the Changing Room
The weight of the departures was heavy on the rest of the squad. Phil Foden, who grew from an academy prospect into a world-class superstar under the guidance of the departing trio, admitted on the bus that the reality of their departures brought him to tears.
“I was really emotional before the final game, to see two legends of the club going isn’t easy,” Foden shared during the parade. “They are two massive players that have helped me when I was coming through from the Academy… it’s been a pleasure to play with them and I love them so much. It’s going to be difficult without them.”
Erling Haaland echoed those sentiments, calling Stones and Bernardo “two legends who have been amazing on and off the pitch.”
Pep’s Final Walk: 20 Trophies Paraded by Icons
The emotional peak of the evening occurred inside the arena when Pep Guardiola’s historic 20-trophy haul was paraded out onto the stage one by one. In a breathtaking tribute, the silverware was carried by a mixture of Guardiola’s family, his three children, and iconic former captains including Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho.
The night even featured a surprise video message from NBA icon Michael Jordan, who congratulated Pep on an “unbelievable career” and told him to enjoy his retirement.
When it was finally time for the tactical genius to speak, Guardiola looked out at the sea of fans who have adored him for ten years, holding back tears as he delivered his final message.
“I feel the connection that this club has from the first minute,” Pep said, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you so much, I don’t have enough gratitude. I will have that with me for the rest of my life.”
As the parade buses parked and the confetti settled, Manchester was left to process an ending that felt entirely surreal. The silverware was safely in the cabinet, but as City fans walked away from the Co-op Live arena, it was clear that the heart of the club’s golden era had taken its final, unforgettable bow.
