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.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 11, 2023-Ausgabe von MEN on Sunday.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 11, 2023-Ausgabe von MEN on Sunday.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
We are fragile but we cannot overreact-Pep
PEP Guardiola says that City cannot afford to overreact to their worst ever run under his management as they look to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
IT’S TOO EASY TO SCORE AGAINST US’
PEP Guardiola says City have multiple problems as opponents find it too easy to score against them.
Spurs man on the hole’ in City middle
JAMES Maddison has explained that he was able to exploit the lack of presence in City's midfield to score a goal that he has been working on all season.
Rubet! Amorim up for United challenge
RUBEN Amorim is relishing the 'huge responsibility' of taking United back to the top as the new head coach prepares to take charge for the first time at Ipswich.
'Ruthless' Ruben won't be all smiles as he gears up for first game at helm
\"I CAN be ruthless when I have to be,\" said Ruben Amorim on Friday afternoon.
Teenage star Chido on target once again
CHIDO Obi-Martin was again among the goals as United's Under-18s continued their stunning form and a new star emerged.
Tourist traps top visitor spend table
SEPARATED by the Pennines and nearly 100 miles, the historic city of York and the seaside resort of Blackpool are worlds apart in their appeal to tourists.
Wind farm expansion plan set to create new turbulence
Proposals would create biggest turbine development in England
Rail services may take 'three years to improve'
THE largest rail company in the North of England has warned that it will take up to three years before its services are up to scratch.
Thug forced kids to help in drug deals
A MAN who used 'vulnerable' children to help him deal drugs has been jailed.