Sky Sports was compelled to issue an apology after Pep Guardiola delivered a tear-jerking farewell speech to Manchester City supporters following his final match as manager at the Etihad Stadium. The Catalan coach, who spent a decade at the helm, became visibly emotional as he addressed the crowd on Sunday evening, struggling to speak through his tears.
Guardiola's Emotional Address
Guardiola paid tribute to his family, particularly his 94-year-old father, Valenti, who had travelled to attend the occasion. He also expressed his gratitude for the honour of having a statue erected in his likeness and the north stand renamed after him. A tribute video played on the stadium screens, which Guardiola referenced multiple times during his speech.
He began by saying: 'A minute of silence, please. I am so nervous, terrified. Why do you love me so much? Why do you do that to me? I never... [Ten more years chants, Pep shakes his head]. No, just for Erling (Haaland). I never could have imagined the amount of love. It is a tremendous honour to be your manager. I would love to not just remember the trophies. Hopefully, we provide you with these unbelievable feelings and emotions that people who come here feel they have fun.'
He continued: 'Let me have a little break, my dad is here - 95 years old. Maybe he doesn't realise, but I am pretty sure Cris and my dad realise that there is a stand which is really beautiful and my family is there for many years. Thank you, Sheikh Mansour, but I am sure Khaldoon put real pressure on. My family, they will be here.'
Message to Players and Fans
Guardiola also addressed his players, saying: 'The players do not know it, but I will be there controlling them to make legacies. Fernandinho, Eddy, John, Bernie, all the players on the screen. The players have a huge responsibility to continue the standards of this amazing club.'
He concluded his speech with a heartfelt message to fans: 'From day one, it is my home. In the next years, and you find me in the streets, if you are a City fan, come to me and hug me. I mean it. Like I said it has been a huge honour to represent this club. Every decision I thought what was best for this club. I love you so much. Let me finish what I said a few days ago, they didn't allow me to say it, but it has been f****** fun.'
Sky Sports later issued an apology for the broadcast, acknowledging the emotional nature of the speech. The Mirror will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
