I’m here: Pep Guardiola pledges support for Man City after guilty verdict

Pep Guardiola has pledged his support to Manchester City after they were a Premier League club found guilty of financial violations during his tenure as manager.

Guardiola, who spent a decade in charge of City between 2016 and 2026, made his first public comments after the independent panel released its findings on Tuesday.

“I want every Man City fan to know that I am here; more than ever. I stand, always have been and always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman Ferran, the players, the staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters,” Guardiola wrote on his Instagram.

“Let me be clear: we can do this together. I love you all.” Pep Guardiola guided Manchester City through the best period in their club’s history. (Image: X/@PepTeam)

The post was accompanied by pictures from Guardiola’s time at the club, including celebrations with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, City’s Champions League triumph and Premier League title celebrations.

GUARDIOLA’S CITY LEGACY

Guardiola took over at City in 2016 and went on to oversee the most successful period in the club’s history.

Under Spain, City have won six Premier League titles, including four consecutive championships, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the 2023 Champions League.

Guardiola left his position at the end of last season and was succeeded by former assistant Enzo Maresca.

His latest news comes despite his departure from the club, with Guardiola making it clear his connection to City remains strong after a decade of establishing the team as one of English football’s leading forces.

CITY DENIES FINDINGS

The Premier League case relates to alleged financial wrongdoing between 2009 and 2018, including the period before Guardiola became manager.

The league said the commercial deals used by City involved “bogus” deals as part of schemes to boost revenue and understate costs. The alleged financial violations were valued at more than 900 million pounds, or about 1.19 billion US dollars.

City CEO Ferran Soriano addressed employees in a video after the findings were released and rejected the conclusions of the independent commission.

Guardiola’s public response followed a day later, with the former City manager choosing to focus on his continued support for the club, its players and supporters.

His message comes as City face the fallout from the independent panel’s findings, while Guardiola’s ten-year tenure remains closely associated with the club’s unprecedented run of domestic and European success.

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