Vincent Kompany vows City will ‘keep winning in style’ at parade
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany told the club’s supporters that this season’s double success would just be the start as they paraded the Premier League and League Cup trophies in front of their jubilant fans.
Fresh from their 2-0 win at home to West Ham on Sunday, which saw them secure the Premier League title on the final day of top-flight action in England, City celebrated Monday with an open top bus tour from outside Manchester town hall.
Thousands gathered in Albert Square where players and staff were introduced to the crowd while fans watched videos on a giant screen recalling City’s triumphant season, which also saw them beat top-flight rivals Sunderland to win the League Cup final at Wembley in March.
Before the City squad boarded the bus, skipper Kompany addressed the crowd and told them his team were far from satisfied with their silverware haul.
“This is a team that is growing and we have done it in style,” Kompany said.
“Everyone keeps saying, ‘They have won the league and they have done it in style’.
“That is what I like about it. That is what I want us to do again in future, keep winning in style,” added the Belgian defender, who scored City’s second goal against the Hammers.
Asked if more trophies were on the way to Eastlands, Kompany replied: “Has to be more, always more.”
Meanwhile Samir Nasri, who settled City’s nerves with the first goal against West Ham, paid tribute to the influence of manager Manuel Pellegrini.
The Chilean replaced the sacked Roberto Mancini, a much more abrasive figure, in the Eastlands hot seat before the start of this season and come the end of the campaign was celebrating his first domestic title as a manager in Europe.
Nasri, asked what were the key differences between this season and last term, when City were runners-up in both the league and the FA Cup, answered: “Do you want me to be honest? The atmosphere, the manager and the confidence. That is the difference between last year and this year.”
France midfielder Nasri said the team had responded to Pellegrini’s backing. “He trusts the players. The philosophy we played all season is just about all the quality we have in this team, that is the big difference.”
It was a memorable day for City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who hours earlier was named in England’s World Cup squad.
But while he always retained the support of England manager Roy Hodgson, Hart endured a loss of form at club level before the turn of the year that briefly saw him replaced by Costel Pantilimon.
“It has been a good season, a tough season, but one I have enjoyed,” Hart insisted. “It was difficult for me personally but the beauty of this team is that we have got people who can fill in at any time.
“Costel was absolutely fantastic when he played.”
City are now set for a short post-season tour of the UAE, the homeland of owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed.
They will play Arabian Gulf League club Al Ain on Thursday night.
Manchester City hierarchy 'to discuss transfer plans this week
Manchester City's hierarchy will reportedly meet this week in Abu Dhabi to discuss their plans for the summer transfer window following the club's Premier League title triumph.
The North-West outfit clinched their second league trophy in three seasons by securing a 2-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday.
Now, it is believed that manager Manuel Pellegrini will meet Ferran Soriano, Txiki Begiristain, Khaldoon Al Mubarak and owner Sheikh Mansour in the Middle East for an exhibition tour, which begins on Thursday.
According to Goal.com, the club will outline their transfer strategy and how their Financial Fair Play sanction will impact on their spending.
Widespread reports have claimed that the club will be hit with a £50m fine for breaching FFP rules, but after allegedly failing to reach an agreement with UEFA last Friday, the issue could drag out for some time
Manchester City: James Milner eyes more trophies after Premier League win
Manchester City's James Milner is targeting more success with the club as he enters the final year of his contract.
The 28-year-old joined the Blues from Aston Villa in 2010 in a £26million deal that saw Stephen Ireland go the other way, and has helped them to four trophies after going without silverware at his previous clubs Leeds, Newcastle as well as Villa.
But despite securing his second Premier League title with the Citizens, he admits there is some uncertainty of his future given the time left on his current City deal.
"Who knows?" he said. "I have got one year left on my contract. We have won two trophies this year. I have been at the club four years now and enjoyed every minute.
"We have managed to win a few trophies along the way and that is why I came here, to win trophies. That's amazing. I just want to contribute as much as we can and play as many games as I can, and help the club to win trophies."
The Yorkshireman, named in England's squad for next month's World Cup, is keen to help his side successful defend their title but is fully aware of how difficult that task will be.
The Blues fell a long way short of hanging on to their crown in the 2012-13 season, with then-manager Roberto Mancini leaving the club 12 months after he had guided the Blues to their first championship in 44 years.
"It'll be nice to defend it next year. We know how hard it is to win, and even harder to defend. First of all we have to enjoy it. These days don't come along too often."
Captain Vincent Kompany has also promised to bring more silverware to the Etihad.
Thousands of supporters filled Manchester's Albert Square and then lined surrounding streets as the team began an open-top bus tour from outside the town hall to celebrate their Premier League triumph.
Kompany, who scored the second goal in the 2-0 win over the Hammers, said: "This is a team that is growing and we have done it in style.
"Everyone keeps saying, 'They have won the league and they have done it in style'.
"That is what I like about it. That is what I want us to do again in future, keep winning in style.
"We never gave up, we always believe. Together we did it, we knew we could, and until the end we fought and we brought the Premier League back to the city, and in the colours, it should always be."
Playmaker Samir Nasri, who opened the scoring in the final game, paid tribute to the influence of manager Manuel Pellegrini, who made a huge impact in his first season in England.
Nasri said: "Do you want me to be honest? The atmosphere, the manager and the confidence. That is the difference between last year and this year.
Manchester City players Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta and superfan Noel Gallagher speak on the pitch following their Premier League triumph.
"He trusts the players. The philosophy we played all season is just about all the quality we have in this team, that is the big difference."
Keeper Joe Hart, who was named in England's World Cup squad earlier in the afternoon, admitted the season had been a rocky one at times, but he was delighted with his form at the conclusion after a spell on the bench.
Hart said: "It has been a good season, a tough season, but one I have enjoyed.
"It was difficult for me personally but the beauty of this team is that we have got people who can fill in at any time.
"Costel (Pantilimon) was absolutely fantastic when he played, I got taken out of the team.
"He's been brilliant, a pleasure to work with, the same as Richard Wright, and Xabi (Mancisidor) has come in and been a great coach. As a goalkeeping unit we are really blessed at this club and I am proud to be part of it."
Summerbee seeks more City success
Mike Summerbee claims Manchester City will never take their success for granted - but much more should follow.
City celebrated one of the greatest seasons in their history on Monday as they paraded the Premier League trophy and Capital One Cup on an open-top bus tour through Manchester.
The club have now won four major trophies since they were catapulted into the game's elite following the takeover of Sheikh Mansour in 2008.
They now have big ambitions for the future and former star player Summerbee - a hero from City's last golden era of the 1960s and 70s - is revelling in the achievements that have followed decades of frustration.
Summerbee, 71, said: "We never get blase, we won it because we were the best side, simple as that.
"It is nice to see the sunshine glinting on the trophy, but we don't gloat. We just get on with what we have got to do.
"It is always very difficult to win a championship but this is a very special team. Every time I see them play it is a privilege.
"This is the start of something very special. We are a very good side, a big club going places."
An estimated 100,000 people lined the streets of Manchester to catch a glimpse of the team as their bus made its way through the city centre from Albert Square to Exchange Square.
Before the bus departed, crowds outside the town hall were treated to a review of the season on big screens before a number of players addressed them from a stage.
Young Manchester City fanatics get their hands on the trophy
Miles Chadwick, aged seven from Rochdale, and five-year-old Roxanne Allen, from Stockport, followed in the footsteps of City captain Vincent Kompany as they got their hands on the trophy.
Two Manchester City-mad youngsters got up close and personal with the Premier League trophy - thanks to the MEN.
Miles Chadwick, aged seven from Rochdale, and five-year-old Roxanne Allen, from Stockport, followed in the footsteps of City captain Vincent Kompany as they got their hands on the trophy.
Roxanne’s mum Chloe, a United fan, died aged 39 from cancer in 2011 and tragically her dad Mike, 53, has mantle cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which is terminal.
“This is very special for Roxanne, “ said Mike, from Bridgehall. “It is something she will always remember. Her mum will be looking down and even though she was red she will have a nice wry smile that her daughter got to lift the trophy in City colours.”
Roxanne, a pupil at Bridgehall Primary School, watched City being crowned champions with her aunty and uncle Jane and Dave Brember.
Roxanne said: “I love watching City because they score loads of goals I was happy they won.
“I liked holding the trophy I felt like Vincent Kompany.”
Manchester City's 10 Best Goals of the 2013/14 Premier League Season
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2061 ... gue-season
Giggs’ hilarious reaction to Manchester City celebrations in Southampton press conference
Ryan Giggs was there in the Stadium of Light when Manchester United had the title taken away from us thanks to a last minute goal from Manchester City, something he won’t want to be reminded about in a hurry.
And in the post-match press conference after the Southampton game on Sunday, City’s title celebrations were being shown and Giggs’ reaction was priceless:
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Giggs did what every United fan would have done. No thanks to watching that. It would be more interesting to pull your teeth out than watch celebrations in the Etihad.
City may have had their trophy title parade yesterday but amid United bidding £27 million bid for Luke Shaw and Rio Ferdinand leaving United, you might not have known it.
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[/spoiler]Chelsea have agreed a £32m deal with Atletico Madrid to sign their Brazilian striker Diego Costa, 25. Daily Star
Manchester United are hoping to sign Borussia Dortmund's Germany defender Mats Hummels, 25, as a replacement for the departing Rio Ferdinand, 35. Daily Express
Brazil defender David Luiz, 27, is set to leave Chelsea for Barcelona following this summer's World Cup. Daily Star
Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis is planning to raid relegated Norwich for goalkeeper John Ruddy, 27, who is on standby for England's World Cup squad. Daily Telegraph
Blackpool's 22-year-old winger Tom Ince - who finished the season on loan at Crystal Palace - could follow in his father Paul's footsteps by joining Inter Milan. DSSC
Real Valladolid striker Javi Guerra, 32, will join Cardiff City next season despite their relegation to the Championship, says boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Western Mail
Strikers Luuk de Jong, 23, and Shola Ameobi, 32, are among seven players expected to leave Newcastle this summer. Newcastle Chronicle
England left-back Luke Shaw, 18, will join Manchester United from Southampton for £27m before the World Cup in Brazil. DSSC
Southampton are holding out for £25m for England midfielder Adam Lallana after Liverpool made a £20m bid on Monday. Liverpool Echo
England manager Roy Hodgson will ban agents from the team's camp as he does not want his players to be distracted by potential transfers prior to and during the World Cup. Independent
Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney, 28, has gone on holiday to Portugal with two fitness trainers to make sure his groin problem is sorted out before the start of next month's World Cup. Guardian
West Brom want Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood to take over from Spaniard Pepe Mel, who left the Baggies on Monday. Daily Mirror
But Sherwood faces competition from Gianfranco Zola, Celtic boss Neil Lennon and Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes - a former West Brom midfielder - to take over at The Hawthorns.
Full story: Times (subscription required)
Former Manchester United manager David Moyes, ex-Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay and former Norwich manager Chris Hughton are also being linked with the West Brom post. Daily Express
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is set to find out on Tuesday whether he will keep his job as he is scheduled to hold talks with the Hammers board. Sun
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will keep Alan Pardew as manager and make £60m available in transfer funds over the summer. Daily Telegraph
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert will fly to the United States this week to hold talks about his future after the club's owner put the club up for sale. Times
West Ham striker Andy Carroll, put on stand by for the World Cup by England boss Roy Hodgson, says he would rather be in Brazil than on holiday with his girlfriend in Dubai. DSSC
more bollox shortly
