MUNICH: Bayern Munich finally celebrated winning its 24th German championship on Saturday after the last Bundesliga game of the season.
Club captain Philipp Lahm lifted the championship shield to kick off the party in a sea of red and white confetti, after Claudio Pizarro's injury time strike secured a 1-0 win over Stuttgart.
The traditional wheat-beer showers followed with Pep Guardiola, in particular, singled out for attention by his jubilant players. The former Barcelona coach helped Bayern defend its title with a record seven games to spare in his first season in charge.
The effects of the beer showers took their toll on Guardiola when he dropped the championship shield.
"It's very nice but it's heavy," he said, referring to the 11-kilo trophy.
Around 15,000 fans later greeted the side at Marienplatz in the city center for the presentation of the league trophy from the town hall balcony, following traditional title celebrations.
Wearing Bavarian leather trousers like his players, Guardiola told enthusiastic supporters, "I am very proud of this team and we are very proud of you. I love you. I'm a Muenchener (person from Munich). Mia san mia!"
The party was expected to last long into the night.
"You have to celebrate victories and titles," said Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer, who didn't want to set any limits, despite Bayern's German Cup final clash with Borussia Dortmund in Berlin next Saturday.
