In pictures: Champions Manchester City parade the Premier League trophy

 
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15 May 2012

More than 100,000 people lined the streets to celebrate Manchester City winning the Premier League, the club's first league triumph in 44 years.

Members of the victorious squad and manager Roberto Mancini addressed fans from a stage in Albert Square before boarding their bus to greet more crowds.

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.

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."

Midfielder James Milner said: "I've not slept much - I couldn't.

"I'm still in a bit of shock - we all are. It's still hard to believe we were 2-1 down going into injury time so it's going to take a while to sink in."

Team-mate Gareth Barry said: "Days like this are why we came to City and it's just fantastic.

"I've got memories I'll treasure for the rest of my career."

Crowds started gathering for the evening parade from mid-afternoon.

They were treated to big-screen re-runs of the title-clinching goals and other memorable wins while club greats Mike Summerbee and Tony Book, title-winners in 1968, also spoke.

Summerbee quipped that he hoped Ferguson was listening before paying tribute to the fans.

He said: "The people out here think so much of the club, these are proper supporters. This is what Manchester City is like."

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