Memories of a Champion trip to Istanbul For CL final

I was lucky enough to be one of the thousands of City fans who made the trip out to Istanbul for the CL final on the 10th June 2023.

It seemed fitting that City had another chance to win the sort after trophy with a full stadium this time after the Covid restrictions. This time it had a bigger meaning with City on the cusp of becoming Treble Winners.

Off I set from Manchester to Istanbul wearing our ‘Empty Seats’ t-shirt specifically designed as a bit of a tongue in cheek for all the the rubbish that gets posted about City not having enough fans to fill the Etihad.

We decided to get there a couple of days before the game so we could enjoy the moment and explore Istanbul a little.

It was a great place with visits to the famous blue mosque, a boat trip down the Bosporus, a walk around the Grand Bazaar and a climb up to the top of Galata Tower.

The night before the game, hundreds of City fans came together on ‘Nevizade Street‘ for one the best atmospheres I can remember.

The day of the game, the nerves were really kicking in but the time had come to believe that we could do this.

The stadium was a bit of a trek outside the city with a bus ride that could have made anyone feel the heat even more! Anyway we got there in the end but were surprised by the lack of facilities, no drinks just water in a cup and the toilets were a line of what seem to be people’s caravans!

We watched the team bus arrive and literally got squashed to an inch of our lives which is when I think my passport got nicked but that’s another story!

Arriving at our seats, I proudly took a photo of us with the ginger wig proudly seeing it’s 25th season and a CL final!

I was then told off by the steward for singing too loud, but I won’t tell you my polite reply to them!

It was a nervy game but Rodri always seems to step up when we need that goal and what a one it was.

Time to celebrate….but then disaster struck as I realised my passport had been nicked. So not only was it a very long journey back to the center on the bus but with a head full of panic, it felt like days before we got back to the hotel.

I had planned the trip that we would have been able to get back to Manchester in time for the parade but that went out the window when I had to wait for the embassy to open on the Monday, but least I didn’t get soaked!

If you’re looking for memories from the game or from the Treble Winning season, here our our top 7 unique products created by The Ginger Wig.

Our Rodri Istanbul pint glass. Top rated by hundreds of City fans, it’s proving to be a very popular gift idea.

2. Look at the the moment Rodri scored everyday with our top q uality print. Available in two sizes (unframed) and captures that iconic goal perfectly

3. A pair of socks that show Rodri shooting in the 68th minute and celebrating on his knees. Available in sizes 1-3, 4-7 and 8-11 (UK shoe size). Will they be your new lucky pair?