Manchester City's victory over Inter Milan for a maiden Champions League title was "written in the stars," manager Pep Guardiola said after his side secured the Treble.
The 52-year-old Spaniard completed his collection at City as compatriot Rodri fired home the only goal in the 68th minute for a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the dogged Italians in Istanbul.
Guardiola has now emulated Alex Ferguson - whose Manchester United side also swept to a Treble of English Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999 - and has delivered 12 major trophies for City.
"Tired. Calm. Satisfied. It's so difficult to win it," said an emotional Guardiola after hugging every one of his players and the club's hierarchy who joined the pitch celebrations.
"Inter are really good. 'Be patient, I said at half-time. 'You have to be lucky. This competition is a coin toss.'
"It was written in the stars. It belongs to us."
City must be considered one of football's heavyweight clubs after completing the Treble, captain Ilkay Gundogan said, while a teary-eyed Jack Grealish hailed Guardiola as a "genius."
"Unbelievable. Difficult to put anything in words. We made history," Gundogan said. "This team deserves the highest recognition and winning the Champions League elevates us to the very top of the game.
"We knew everyone was talking about the Treble. The pressure was there, but this team is built to handle the pressure in the best possible way."
Grealish, who joined City from Aston Villa for a British record 100 million (HK$985.33 million) in 2021, has been one of City's standout performers this season and was overcome with emotion at the final whistle.
"This is what you work your whole life for. I'm just so happy," Grealish said. "I was awful today but I don't care.
"I've just said to Guardiola: 'I want to thank you because you've made this happen for me. You put so much faith in me, buying me for a lot of money.' Even last year when I was playing crap he stayed there with me and this year he's given me that platform ... He's just a genius."
Striker Erling Haaland has already set his sights on more success next season, warning rivals that a Treble has not satisfied his appetite for trophies after spearheading City's attack with 52 goals this season. "In my wildest dreams I would never think of this," the Norwegian said. "I will want to do it again for sure."
Guardiola, 52, is the first coach to win two Trebles, having achieved the Spanish version as Barcelona manager in 2009, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.
He has now claimed three Champions League titles as a manager and only Carlo Ancelotti, with four, has won more.
Asked about next season, he replied:"I don't have any energy to think about next season, it's impossible. We need a break."
