Michael Jordan among many sports legends in Pep Guardiola’s farewell party
Manchester City gave Pep Guardiola an emotional tribute before they said good bye to the manager that led them through the club’s most successful era.

All good things come to an end. For Pep Guardiola that end came on Monday night when the Manchester City manager said a final good bye to his players, supporters and the club that he has been in charge of for the last decade. There were plenty of people wanting to wish Pep a fitting farewell, but nobody bigger the GOAT, Michael Jordan.
Game recognize game
After leading the Citizens to their most successful era in club history, Pep announced that he was leaving Manchester this summer. He won 20 titles in 10 years with the club, including six Premier Leagues, three FA Cups and a Champions League among a long list of other trophies. He capped off this time in Manchester with a domestic double, claiming the FA cup and the Carabao Cup and on Monday it was time to celebrate not just those titles but the manager who coached his final game at the club on Sunday.
There was an double decker bus that paraded Pep and his players around the streets of the city. They celebrated decade long, golden age full of titles in an era that was filled with legendary players that played under one of the greatest coaches ever. Some of those players were in attendance to bid their former manager a face-to-face farewell. Vincent Company and Fernandinho were two of Pep’s former players who joined the party and presented the coach and fans with the 20 trophies won during the incredible tenure of the Catalan coach.
Basketball great Michael Jordan sent Pep Guardiola a congratulatory message as he leaves Man City 🏀🤝⚽️
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 25, 2026
"I didn't know he knows me" was a star-struck Guardiola's response 😅 pic.twitter.com/HWjdzkIocO
While the Brazilian and the current Bayern Munich manager were at the top of the heavy hitting guest list at the Co Op Live Arena in Manchester, they were overshadowed by a Michael Jeffery Jordan. Jordan dropped a video message for the legendary manager who shares the same passion as the GOAT. “Hey Pep, this is Michael Jordan. I just want to congratulate you on an unbelievable career. Enjoy your retirement. Good luck on the links, golf and keep them straight,” said Jordan.
One final farewell to Citizens
Pep was seemingly caught by surprise after MJ’s video that was played over the big screen at the Co Op Arena. Pep said, “I didn’t know he knows me. But it’s fine,” as one of his final memorable quotes as the City boss. Guardiola is known to be an avid golfer, and now with the free time he is set to enjoy, a potential tee time with the NBA’s GOAT could be in the cards.
Golfer Tommy Fleetwood was another of the celebs who sent Pep a virtual goodbye, “You deserve whatever you are about to do next. It is an honour to call you a friend and congratulations. You have been amazing.” While former Premier League manager Neil Warnock also stated: “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 sent a final message to the fans, and the club while speaking with Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher, saying “First of all, thank you so much for coming tonight to say bye. I feel tonight that really shows the connection this club has. Khaldoon Al Mubarak and all the people and all the City fans that were connected from the first minute. Thank you so much, I don’t have enough gratitude. Always, for the rest of my life, I will have you in my heart.”
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