Pep Guardiola has broken his silence after Manchester City were found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League in 2023. The former manager, who left the Etihad Stadium this past summer, released a statement on X declaring his continued support for the club.
City were found guilty earlier this week, with the club continuing to insist on their innocence. Sanctions have not yet been determined, as an appeal is still pending, with some speculation that titles won between 2009 and 2018 could be stripped, although it is understood that the league and its clubs do not necessarily wish to pursue that option.
Guardiola's new role and statement
Guardiola, who led City for a decade and claimed 20 trophies, remains an ambassador for City Football Group, the club's parent company. His new position was announced before their final match of last season, with duties including providing technical advice to clubs in the group and working on specific projects and collaborations.
In his statement, Guardiola wrote: "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, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters." He added: "Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
Carragher calls for title stripping
The 53-year-old accompanied his message with photographs of City's Champions League and Premier League victories, a post that has since garnered nearly 10 million views.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has called for Manchester City to be stripped of titles won during the nine-year period in which they were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations. Speaking on Sky Sports News, Carragher said: "I feel for the players... they'll almost feel like a lot of their career is going to have an asterisk, or a lot of people will be calling it a sham."
He added: "The players were told everything was fine, they would never get done for anything. What the hierarchy are coming out with now, they're just gaslighting. I think the titles should be taken off their [City's] list. Whether other clubs get them is probably slightly different. City have not just hurt their own players."
Carragher concluded: "I don't look at it [a medal] years later, but my mind goes back to moments and feelings in my stomach. Those players will never get that feeling and it was robbed by Man City. No-one remembers the medal. Giving trophies or medals back, it doesn't mean anything. It's not about medals, it's about feelings."
