Thousands line streets for Man City victory parade

It was the moment Manchester City fans have spent years waiting for and not even the torrential rain could dampen their spirits as they welcomed their treble-winning heroes home.

Manchester was transformed into a sea of blue on Monday night as thousands lined the streets to celebrate City’s success at gaining the treble.

Saturday's Champions League final win over Inter Milan meant Pep Guardiola's side had completed the treble, having already secured the Premier League title and FA Cup – a feat only Manchester rivals United had managed in England before.

Fans climbed on bus shelters and signs in a bid to catch a glimpse of the team as they toured the city on their victory parade.

The players, including Erling Haaland, jumped up and down and partied on the open-top bus, with some throwing their shirts into the crowd.

The celebrations were initially delayed after storms hit the city and officials feared a lightning strike would hit.

But despite getting soaked, fans braved the weather and their roars and cheers thundered across the city.

When the main stage was finally opened to the public, swarms of fans ran to get a prime place at the front as Oasis’s Supersonic boomed into the crowd.

The storm has gone and the gates have opened for @ManCity victory parade @TheNationalNews pic.twitter.com/i2URMDo7Iw

As Queen’s We are the Champions rang out, the players emerged on to the city centre stage proudly holding their three trophies.

Midfielder Phil Foden waved the Champions League trophy, while manager Guardiola took in the joy on the faces of fans and the players.

“We had to be the best parade with this rain, otherwise it is not Manchester,” Guardiola said to the delight of the waiting crowd.

“We don't want sunshine, we want