BLUE SWOON

IT’S BEEN RELENTLESS: Pep hails his ‘special’ players for their ‘hardest’ Prem triumph

PEP GUARDIOLA paid tribute to his “special” Manchester City players after they were crowned champions for the third time in four years, saying: “It was the hardest one”.

Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat by Leicester City confirmed the Blues as champs with three games to play. This latest title triumph means Guardiola’s side can now concentrate on beating Chelsea in the Champions League final on May 29 to secure the second Treble of his glittering reign.

“It’s been a season and a Premier

League title like no other,” said

Guardiola. “This was the hardest one. We will always remember this season for the way that we won.

“I’m so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players. They are so special. To come through this season, with all the restrictions and difficulties, and show the consistency we have is remarkable.

“It’s relentless. Every day they are there, fighting for success, always trying to be better. They have been so, so resilient.

“At the start of every season, the Premier League is the most important title for us. It’s a huge success.

“It’s so important to say a huge thank you to all our fans. I promise them we sense their love, we could not have done this without it.” Skipper Fernandinho said: “I’m so proud and so happy with what we have achieved.

“The Premier League is the hardest league in world football – every single game is tough.”

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “If we want to take up the challenge with them, we need to strengthen our squad, and it might be we need a couple more players.”