PERHAPS it was always meant to be this way in Istanbul. In a sprawling city that straddles two continents and lives off its chaotic, consuming energy, a football club that has embraced just about every emotion possible reached the pinnacle while threatening to fall back to earth throughout. They were never going to make it look easy.
But City are champions of Europe. Somehow. Deservedly. Forgettably and unforgettably. Five minutes before midnight on a sultry Istanbul evening, the dream became a reality.
Blues fans had travelled to one of the continent's furthest outposts in their thousands to witness a coronation and a coronation is what they got. Nobody connected to City will want to relive the football produced at the Ataturk Stadium, but the celebrations are another matter.
This was City's dream and their obsession on the line. This was City's Treble on the line. This was everything to them and they scaled Everest. As the final whistle blew Pep Guardiola, who more than anyone has lived every minute of this club's desire to win this competition, marched down the touchline to embrace his PROESCURO FUROPSS opposite number Simone Inzaghi.
All around him, bedlam ensued.
The staff and substitutes swarmed the pitch. The players, who had just been defending one last corner, raced to their supporters, but Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland collapsed to the turf before they had even reached halfway line.
This story is from the June 11, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 11, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rodri's importance to Blues is laid bare
IF there is an argument for how good a player Rodri is then you need look no further than City right now.
City players walking a fine line over yellow cards
CITY are potentially just two matches away from losing a quartet of players during the hectic festive season.
Home comforts offer long-term hope to Super League Salford
SALFORD Red Devils have finally received the news they were waiting for, with Salford council confirming the acquisition of the club's stadium.
Just the ticket for a festive treat, despite nearly choking on a dry stuffing ball
THEY say the best things in life are worth waiting for.
A cut above the rest
A mobile barber from Bolton has been shortlisted as one of the top 100 small businesses in the country. Jignesh Madhavji, owner of Jiggi mobile barbershop, was shortlisted among 99 other businesses and was celebrated during an event at the House of Lords.
Man sheds NINE STONE after theme park shame
Machine operator has made a big transformation after he used to consume 4,000 calories a day
Last days of Owens Park
FOR many, the tower referred to as Owens Park will have been their first home in Manchester.
Insurance worker in data breach
A CAR insurance worker abused his position to divulge hundreds of customer private details to 'claims farmers! Rizwan Manjra, 44, was employed by Markerstudy Insurance Services Limited (MISL), based in the Arndale Centre in Manchester city centre, leading a team that processed accident claims.
Has the crackdown on crime gone too far?
Crime reporter John Scheerhout looks at GMP's recent use of dispersal orders in the region
The fight to bring hero soldier Dan's case before courts
Efforts continue to locate man named as a suspect in the investigation into unlawful killing of paratrooper.
