Premier League titans Manchester City are celebrating their monumental 2022/23 season by taking their treble-winning trophies on a grand tour in India. After a grand showcase in Kochi, the City of Dreams, Mumbai, awaits the glinting silverware.
Featuring prominently in the parade are the prestigious Premier League trophy, the FA Cup, the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy, and the UEFA Super Cup. These symbols of football excellence found a picturesque backdrop on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kochi, India's longest lake and the venue for the iconic Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Joining the tour and adding a touch of authenticity was former Manchester City stalwart, Nedum Onouha. As the trophies transition to Mumbai, the anticipation grows. The metropolis houses Manchester City's sibling team, Mumbai City FC, deepening the bond between the club and the country.
Reflecting on the bygone season, Manchester City scripted a story worth retelling. Emulating the feats of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United from 1999, Pep Guardiola's brigade clinched the treble in spectacular fashion. The Citizens wrapped up the Premier League with a comfortable margin, having a three-match breathing space. This was realized when Arsenal, their nearest competitors, stumbled with a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest's den.
The FA Cup victory amplified the celebrations, more so, with the final being a thrilling Manchester Derby. City edged their eternal rivals, Manchester United, with a 2-1 scoreline, thanks to a brace by Ilkay Gundogan. Gundogan's opening goal set a record, becoming the quickest goal in FA Cup final history.
However, the pinnacle of the season was their European success. On June 10, Manchester City squared off against Inter Milan for the UEFA Champions League finale. Rodri’s solitary strike sealed their maiden European treble and quenched a 53-year thirst for European glory. His stellar performance earned him UEFA's 'Man of the Match' accolade.
To garnish their splendid season, the UEFA Super Cup also found its place in Manchester City's bursting trophy cabinet. New signing Erling Haaland left an indelible mark in his inaugural season, netting 52 times across all contests.
This celebratory tour underscores Manchester City's remarkable achievements and the deepening bond between Indian fans and global football.
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