Pep Guardiola has broken his silence to declare his support for Manchester City after the club were found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. The former manager, who left the Etihad in the summer after 10 years in charge, insists the club will clear their name through an appeal.
Guardiola's message to fans
In a post on social media, Guardiola said: "I want every single Man City fan 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] the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters."
He added: "Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
Club's stance and the verdict
City continue to strongly deny the charges and maintain they will prove their innocence through an appeal. The Premier League's report outlined that City were found guilty of inflating commercial revenue and reducing costs by £900million, as well as misstating accounts and concealing their true finances between 2009 and 2018.
Speaking before leaving the Etihad in May, Guardiola reiterated: "I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did. What happened, happened."
Previously, the 55-year-old said: "I believe what they say to me and the reasons why. I said, 'okay, let's see.' I cannot say [any more] yet because we're awaiting the sentence in February or March – I don't know when – but, at the same time, I like it."
He added: "I read something about the situation and how we need to be relegated immediately. Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes."
Legal battle ahead
Both CEO Soriano and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak have issued statements to assure fans that City remain confident they will win their three-and-a-half-year legal battle with the Premier League. City were first charged in February 2023, with a hearing taking place across 42 days in late 2024.
