At the time the vast majority of people didn’t take him or his comments very seriously.

As we reflect on the calendar year 2023, Manchester City Football Club have just been crowned Club World Champions. This trophy is in addition to the four other major trophies they have won throughout the year: the Premier League (for the third year in a row), Champions League (for the first time), FA Cup and Super Cup. In addition they went the whole year without losing a singe game at home.

It’s not just success on the pitch that means so much to fans, it’s the work the club continues to deliver off the pitch. The recently reported financial results delivered record revenues and profits. The owners continue to invest in the stadium, the Etihad complex and in the continual re-development of the whole of East Manchester.

They also continue to keep their fans front of mind.

When City announced its ‘Treble Trophy Tour’ in July, bringing their trophies closer to fans in Manchester and around the world, it was so amazing that they selected my City-mad dad to be the first visit on their tour. Dad was almost 103 years of age and had been watching City since the 1920s. He died peacefully just two weeks after that visit.

So 2023 has been a memorable year for so many reasons and dad certainly managed to witness the best football team in the world.

I look forward to 2024 being a continuation on that journey to not only being the best but also the biggest football team in the world.