“Istanbul, Istanbul we are coming. We are coming at the end of May”
20,000 Manchester City fans
On Saturday 10th June, 20,000 Manchester City fans descended onto the grounds of Istanbul; Turkey’s largest city constituting the country’s historical, economical and cultural heart. There for one thing only – the UEFA Champions League Final.
In full voice throughout the city, Manchester City fans were ready to face Italian side -Inter Milan- in what would be their second Champions League final. With two final wins already secured that season and in the bag, Manchester City had their eyes on the 11kg prize! A win would see a formidable Manchester City team make footballing history by winning their first champions league trophy. Not only that, but by winning a treble affair of trophies in one season – the Premier League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League! Only one other English club has accomplished this outstanding achievement back in 1999. Was it time for Manchester City to have their name deservedly in global lights? Or showcase their 21st Century footballing style? Could they be treble winners of 2023?
With kick off at 10pm and having been out of the hotel 12 hours prior, you could say that I was more than ready for the action on the pitch! The Atatürk Olympic Stadium was alive! Flags waving, fans cheering and fireworks fizzing. City were up for it and so was I!
The referee blew his whistle and a cheer (ever so slightly tense) roared from the City end. Manchester City looked confident and composed. While the first half had its chances, the score line remained at 0-0. Too tense to eat, and with limited food options, a bag of LAYS crisps it was for tea! A quick catch up with my City friends and team and it was back to the action for the second half.
Shots were fired with both sides on the attack, however it was Manchester City’s midfielder -Rodri- who made the difference! At 68 minutes, a thunderous cheer came from the City end, as the ball rocketed past Milan defenders and pierced into the back of the net. Wildly, I cheered too! My Dad and I usually grab each other in excitement when City score, so I cheered all the way to England for him! (Lesson learnt there Dad – don’t book a holiday in June!)
The final 20 minutes were tense; we’re not used to watching City at 1-0 up. It’s usually a comfortable 4/5 goals! Inter Milan were firing from all angles in extra time with Lukaku’s non-stop shots! Nevertheless, it was Manchester City who persevered and who, ultimately, were the deserving winners. At 90+5 minutes, the final whistle was blown and it was a feeling like no other.
Manchester City Treble Winners, 2023! 🏆
That’s a total of almost 40kg of silverware safe and secured at Manchester City FC!
“Woah we’re the boys in blue! Woah coming after you!”
Multiple elated Manchester City fans.
Below are some photos from the footballing action, as well as a little bit of culture I managed to squeeze in around the whirlwind trip! I present the Grand Bazaar which is the world’s largest enclosed market, the Bayazit Mosque and a rooftop view of the city.
The View From the Window 