Pep Guardiola has returned to the Etihad Stadium for Manchester City's first home match since the club was found guilty of gross financial misconduct by the Premier League.
Guardiola stepped down as the club's manager this summer, ending a decade in which he won 20 major honours. An independent commission found City guilty of 114 of the 115 charges of financial misconduct and of obstructing the investigation. City maintain their innocence and have appealed the decision.
Guardiola's show of support
The charges span much of Guardiola's spell with the club, but he has backed City, saying in a statement after the verdict: “I want every single ManCity 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, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
On his return, he kept a low profile, wearing a flat cap as he took his seat in the director's box to watch his former club face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. He was joined by club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano.
Warm welcome at the Etihad
Guardiola, who continues to serve as a global ambassador for City, reportedly held talks with both men before the match as they looked to present a united front. He was welcomed with a pyrotechnic display and a fan mosaic reading CTID, or 'City till I die.'
Since Guardiola left City, a stand at the Etihad has been named after him.
