Manchester rain fails to dampen City celebrations

Manchester was bathed in blue on Monday as even a thunderstorm and torrential rain could not stop thousands of Manchester City fans celebrating a treble with their heroes.

City became just the second side to win the Champions League, English Premier League and FA Cup in the same season after beating Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul on Saturday to become European champion for the first time.

Despite a delay to the festivities caused by the stormy weather, the streets of the city center were still crammed to pay tribute to manager Pep Guardiola and his players.

"What a parade," said Guardiola. "It has to be like that, no sunshine. We want rain. The perfect way."

Erling Haaland was just one of City's stars who appeared on stage topless, while England duo Jack Grealish and Kalvin Philips appeared to be suffering the effects of 48 hours of celebration.

"I've had the best 24 hours, day and night," said Grealish. "I don't think I've slept."

The City delegation jetted back from Istanbul to Manchester on Sunday but many of the squad immediately took a private jet to Spanish island Ibiza for a second night of partying.

For City supporters there was the extra glee in ensuring Manchester United's 1998/99 treble is no longer a unique feat for an English club.

The blue half of Manchester lived in the shadow of their neighbors for decades as Alex Ferguson built a dynasty at Old Trafford in 27 years in charge of United between 1986 and 2013.

But an Abu Dhabi-backed takeover of City in 2008 turned the tables in the rivalry as Guardiola's men have claimed five Premier League titles in six seasons to become the dominant force of English soccer.

"How times have changed," said office worker Sarah Morris, 27. "This is like the dream. I could never have imagined this."

Even those not old enough to remember United's treble think it may never get any better for City having finally ended the wait for Champions League glory.

"I'm 21, but it can't get any better than this. It's all downhill from here", said student Tom Kennedy, bedecked in a City bucket hat and shirt.

For the older generation, there is still a sense of disbelief at how City has conquered Europe. During United's treble-winning season 24 years ago, City was in the third tier of English soccer.

"It's unbelievable," said 63-year-old fan Gary Henley. "We've been down the leagues, we've been there when we didn't win anything for ages. We went 35 years without a trophy. Now we've won the treble. It's unreal."

AFP