Chapter 611: Farewell, Ibrahimović!
Manchester United fans came out not just to line the streets and wave banners to welcome the team. The club had prepared double-decker parade buses, which had been waiting for a while.
"Alright, guys, let's switch to the championship bus!" Mourinho clapped his hands and said, "Come on, show some spirit. You are the champions of Europe!"
As the Manchester United bus pulled up, journalists and fans swarmed around it, and the police, responsible for maintaining order, sprang into action to prevent any chaos due to the overwhelming crowd.
The bus doors opened.
The first to step out was the backup goalkeeper, Romero. In his hands, he held the UEFA Champions League trophy, the famous Big-Eared Cup!
"It's not the captain holding the trophy?" Both journalists and fans were surprised.
Then they saw each player disembark, taking turns to hold the trophy high, drawing massive cheers from the fans.
"This must be Mourinho's idea. He's great at creating atmosphere," murmured one journalist on the scene.
"It's effective, isn't it? The players are deeply moved."
Towards the back of the line were Valencia, Carrick, and Ibrahimović, the three players confirmed to leave at the end of the season. When they held the trophy aloft, the cheers and applause from the fans were thunderous, showing their gratitude and well-wishes for these veterans.
Finally, Mourinho and team captain Bruno Fernandes appeared together. They took the trophy from the team's vice-captain Valencia, one on each side, and climbed to the second level of the parade bus, where other players and coaches were waiting.
Standing on the second level of the bus, Mourinho and Bruno together raised the Champions League trophy high. A wave of excitement surged through the crowd!
Fans cheered, cameras flashed, and the atmosphere was electric.
"Ladies and gentlemen... we see Coach Mourinho and team captain Bruno lifting the Champions League trophy high together! They are jointly raising the European Champion Clubs' Cup!" The return and celebration of Manchester United were broadcast live. BBC 5 had bought exclusive rights to the championship celebration. Although the fee was not disclosed, it was speculated to be no less than ten million pounds.
The TV broadcast gave a big close-up of the trophy in Mourinho and Bruno's hands.
"Yes, this is the Champions League trophy. Manchester United last held it ten years ago. Now, a decade later, they stand atop Europe once more. This is United's fourth Champions League trophy, trailing only Real Madrid with twelve and AC Milan with seven…"
The parade bus slowly moved forward, surrounded by fans and vehicles. United supporters had essentially taken over this stretch of road.
The trophy rotated among the players, each taking a turn to lift it and revel in the fans' cheers. The scene was filled with exuberance.
When tired, players went down to the first level to rest, where there were bar counters, sofas, and even a minibar. Today, they deserved to enjoy these luxuries.
The parade bus headed towards Manchester City Hall. Mourinho and Bruno lifted the trophy together a second time, prompting another round of wild applause and cheers.
Mourinho made a pause gesture, indicating he had something to say.
The noisy crowd gradually quieted down, even the horn-honking fans who had been celebrating in their cars fell silent.
Mourinho took the microphone from Ashley Young.
"Hey! Everyone!" Mourinho raised his voice as if he were shouting instructions from the sidelines, "Ten years ago, the team stood at the top of Europe. This is United's glory, etched into the blood and soul of the club!"
"That's right!" the crowd roared in agreement.
"Now Coach Mourinho is giving a speech, and the atmosphere here is electric," the BBC 5 host said into the microphone.
"Two years ago, I became the manager of Manchester United. Do you know why I chose United?" Mourinho asked loudly.
The crowd fell silent.
"If I told you I've been a United fan since I was a kid," Mourinho said, "I'd be lying."
The crowd burst into laughter.
"I had many options at the time. I analyzed them thoroughly," Mourinho continued. "In the end, I chose United out of all the options. Why?"
"Because I knew this team, its history, and the more I learned, the more I found myself liking it," Mourinho shouted.
The crowd cheered.
"I told myself that such a storied club should not stay where it was. It should return to its rightful place, dominating the Premier League and standing atop Europe."
Mourinho shouted, "And so, I chose United! A great, historic club that one can't help but fall in love with!"
"Yes, I fell in love with it. From the moment I arrived in Manchester, from the moment I chose United, I found myself loving it more each day. I told myself my choice was right. I love United!" Mourinho shouted.
"José! José! José!" the fans chanted, ecstatic.
"If you love it, what should you do? Bring it back to its rightful place. Let it bask in the spotlight, let it stand proud, let it reach the shining peak!" Mourinho shouted, holding up two fingers, "Two years! Last year, we were the Premier League treble winners. This year, we dominated again. Ten years of waiting. In two years, we did it. After ten years, we're back! The United flag flies high, the United song is loud! We tell the world, we are United, we are the kings of Europe, we—" He signaled for Bruno to lift the trophy with him and shouted, "We're back! Back on our rightful throne!"
Players and fans joined their coach in a frenzied cheer.
Mourinho's speech was broadcast live, driving United fans at home wild, with his fans jumping around in excitement.
So domineering!
So cool!
Amid the crazed shouting, the blonde female host almost screamed to ensure her voice was heard, "Coach Mourinho's passionate speech has ignited the scene. Fans are going wild. The United coach has told them that the championship is just the beginning. They are back. European giants, did you see?"
Soon, mounted police and patrol cars arranged by Manchester local authorities arrived to assist. Following fans in vehicles were advised to disperse for safety, allowing only pedestrian fans to gather and follow the parade bus.
Upon arriving at Manchester City Hall, the team was received and congratulated by the Mayor and high-ranking officials.
Then, the whole United team appeared on the City Hall balcony, receiving cheers from tens of thousands of fans gathered in the square below and beyond.
At this moment, Mourinho gave another speech and announced that the former team captain Valencia, Carrick, and veteran Ibrahimović would retire and leave after the season, effective the next day.
The fans were stunned; the news was sudden.
Carrick's retirement was expected as he had been functioning as the assistant coach this season.
Valencia had also announced his departure early, returning to Ecuador to play.
But Ibrahimović's retirement was completely unexpected.
Though he had only been with United for two years, the Swedish veteran performed exceptionally. Especially last season, he was United's core player. Despite a severe injury towards the end of the season and Harry Kane's arrival last summer relegating him to the bench, Ibrahimović continued to contribute significantly in limited appearances.
As Mourinho's trusted player, fans' support for Mourinho extended to Ibrahimović, whose performance justified their affection.
Especially yesterday, Ibrahimović scored the winning goal after coming on as a substitute, helping United clinch the title. This goal will be remembered in United's history, elevating fans' love for Ibrahimović.
At this moment, Mourinho announced Ibrahimović's retirement decision, leaving fans in disbelief.
Mourinho then gave a heartfelt speech, praising his cherished player, recounting Ibrahimović's contributions to United, recalling every goal, assist, and brilliant performance, astonishing everyone and heightening the fans' emotional attachment to and reluctance to part with Ibrahimović.
"Zlatan told me he is very content to have contributed to the team and to have stood at the pinnacle of Europe. He wants to rest and spend more time with his family," Mourinho said.
He looked at the sea of fans, raising his voice, "I am reluctant, but I understand his choice. I thank him for his contributions to United and wish him all the best in the future."
Turning to Ibrahimović, Mourinho said, "Zlatan, it's been my honor to work with you."
Ibrahimović, eyes red, looked at Mourinho.
"To play under your guidance has been my greatest pride and honor!" Ibrahimović said, voice filled with emotion.
(END CHAPTER)
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