Pep Guardiola is planning a shock return to the Etihad Stadium to show support for his former club Manchester City, which is facing a crisis after being found guilty of financial rule breaches.
Guardiola, who stepped down as manager at the end of last season, is expected to attend City's next home game against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 14. It is understood he has told senior club figures he would like to "be with his people".
Club Found Guilty of Financial Breaches
City have been engulfed in a total crisis since an independent commission found them guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations between 2009 and 2018. The club continues to plead their innocence and have lodged an appeal.
Guardiola, who was City manager between 2016 and 2026, won 20 trophies in 10 years, although his legacy will now be tainted because some of his success was achieved during the timeframe which was investigated. He was also in charge during the entirety of the four-year investigation and was consistently asked about the matter, but always insisted club bosses had told him there had been no wrongdoing.
Guardiola's Message of Support
Earlier this week, Guardiola took to social media to post a message of support to his former club. He said: "I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever.
"I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran (Soriano, CEO), the players, staff, Enzo (Maresca) and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear - we will get through this together. I love you all."
City Statement on Appeal
In a statement on Friday confirming their appeal, City wrote: "The club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe.
"The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.
"We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete."
