Sky Sports were forced to issue an apology after Pep Guardiola dropped an F-bomb during a live television broadcast, as he bid an emotional farewell to the Etihad crowd following his final game in charge of Manchester City.
Guardiola's Emotional Farewell
The 55-year-old manager, who announced his departure on Friday, delivered a pre-recorded message reminiscing about his first interview with Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher upon his arrival, recalling the thought, 'this will be fun.' He paid homage to that moment in his farewell speech on Sunday, after the curtain fell on his decade-long and heavily decorated tenure at the Manchester club.
Addressing the crowd, Guardiola said: 'A minute of silence, please. I am so nervous, terrified. Why do you love me so much? Why do you do that to me?' He continued, '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.'
A Personal Touch
Guardiola added: '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.' He also addressed the players: '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: 'From day one, it is my home. In the next years, if you're around the world and you find me in the streets, if you are a City fan, come to me and hug me. I will need 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.'
The broadcast prompted an immediate apology from Sky Sports, who acknowledged the unexpected language during the live coverage.
