Wives, girlfriends and family members of Manchester City join heroes on the grass

For decades, Manchester City fans could only dream of emulating the success of their famous rivals Manchester United.

But last night, the team’s talented megastars secured a famous 1-0 victory against Inter Milan to be crowned champions of Europe for the first time in the club’s 143-year history.

It meant they had secured the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble – only the second England team to achieve the feat after United in 1999.

Manager Pep Guardiola, who was in tears full-time, sealed the win with a passionate kiss with his wife Cristina as players, coaches and backroom staff celebrated on the pitch with their families. “It was written in the stars, this is ours and we did it,” he said, admitting the game was much closer than he expected.

City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, 22, was celebrating with his girlfriend Isabel Johansen, 19. Draped in the Norwegian flag, he said: ‘To have this with my mum and dad here too is fantastic.’

His emotional teammate Jack Grealish thanked his family and “genius” Guardiola, saying: “I’ve worked all my life for this.”

City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, 22, celebrated with his girlfriend Isabel Johansen, 19

Manchester City’s John Stones kisses the Champions League trophy

Kyle Walker of Manchester City with his son after the UEFA Champions League

Pep Guardiola celebrates with his wife Cristina Serra and his daughter Maria Guardiola

It was an exciting game, on a very hot night, and City had to try their luck several times. Goalkeeper Ederson made several heroic saves. But a fine finish by midfielder Rodri in the 68th minute proved the difference. ‘I’m emotional. This is a dream come true,” said the 26-year-old goalscorer.

The final whistle – after an agonizing five minutes of stoppage time – sparked wild celebrations among the 20,000 City fans in the stands and sent Manchester’s blue half into a delirium.

Also in the stands – for his first City game in 13 years – was club owner Sheikh Mansour, 52, the vice president of the United Arab Emirates. Astonishingly, the final was only the second ever competitive match he had seen since his Abu Dhabi United Group consortium bought City for £210 million in 2008. -old sheikh waltzed in ten minutes before kick-off, having arrived in Turkey by private jet.

The club is accused of breaking financial rules in its relentless pursuit of glory. Not that this mattered one iota to lifelong City fans at the stadium last night.

Stephen Hardy, 50, from Nantwich, Cheshire, said: ‘I grew up watching other teams do this and never thought this would be us. My brother Rich came over from Australia for this game. We’re in dreamland.’

Engineer Neil Jackson, 57, from Preston, who arrived in Istanbul just five hours before kick-off, was in tears. He said: ‘I’ve waited a lifetime for this and to be here for it is fantastic. It’s the least the team, the manager and all the backroom employees deserve.

Jack Grealish celebrates with his girlfriend and family after winning the UEFA Champions League final

Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez and girlfriend Maria Emilia Ferrero pose with the UEFA Champions League trophy

Ilkay Gundogan (8) of Manchester City celebrates with his wife

Manchester City player Kevin de Bruyne, his wife Michele de Bruyne and two of their children pose with the trophy

Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and wife Kaylee Ramman pose for a photo with the winner’s medal

“It’s been a bloody long day and we were in a mad rush to get to the ground and only made it with the help of some Turkish guys we met. Now we’re going to have a few beers to celebrate and then we’re going back to the airport.’

Former England striker and Match of the Day pundit Gary Lineker tweeted: ‘Champions League winners. Triple winners. What an extraordinary season for Man City. Congratulations to a fantastic football team.’