decisive win over QPR as an estimated 100,000 fans lined the streets
to witness the victory parade.
City are celebrating their first league title in 44 years after a
dramatic last-gasp 3-2 victory over 10-man QPR at the Etihad Stadium
on Sunday.
Members of the victorious squad were invited to a private reception at
Manchester town hall in the afternoon before taking to a stage to
greet a huge crowd in the city's Albert Square.
Controversial striker Mario Balotelli was the only notable absentee
but he had been expected to report back to Italy for medical checks
after being named in his country's provisional squad for Euro 2012.
A large media gathering was also present as manager Roberto Mancini
and a number of players were invited to address the fans before being
driven around town.
Responding to big cheers, Mancini said: "I think we should be proud of
these players because they did everything for you (the fans) - they
wanted to win this championship for you."
City's title success will go down as one of the most dramatic in
history, coming only on goal difference afterEdin Dzeko and Sergio
Aguero struck in injury time to see off battling QPR.
Mancini, wearing his trademark clubscarf, said: "We had the best and
worst five minutes in our lives.
"I think it was an incredible moment after we scored the third goal,
but before it was very hard."
Midfielder Gareth Barry said: "Days like this are why we came to City
and it's just fantastic.
"Our fans have always been amazing and they're showing it here today.
I've got memories I'll treasure for the rest of my career."
Goalkeeper Joe Hart said: "It was anincredible day but the support
we've seen here on the streets today almost matches it.
"The fans are brilliant and that they think so much of me means
everything. They know this is my club and the only place I want to
be."
Fans had started to gather outside the town hall from mid-afternoon
and were treated to big-screen replays of the title-winning goals plus
other notable games throughout the season.
City greats Mike Summerbee and Tony Book, members of the club's last
champion side in 1968, spoke tofans along with comedian Jason Manford
and actor Warren Clarke, both celebrity fans.
There was also music and other entertainment while blue and white
paper streamers were shot into the air in a spectacular display before
the players boarded the bus.
Summerbee, who was involved in the trophy presentation party after
City's title-clinching win, said: "The people out here think so much
of the club, these are proper supporters.
"This is what Manchester City is like.It is all about them, they are
fabulous supporters and I am a supporter now myself."
City's arch-enemies Manchester United had been moments away from
winning their 20th league titlewhen Aguero scored in that sensational
finale.
Summerbee said: "It was an amazing day, you couldn't write the script,
but I thought we were going to win all the way through. I kept the
faith."
Also present at the parade was former midfielder Patrick Vieira, who
is now the club's football development executive following his
retirement last year.
Vieira said: "I still can't believe it - losing 2-1 with five minutes
to go, it's unbelievable.
"All credit to the players for keepingbelieving in it."
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