Pep Guardiola has continued to defend Manchester City after the club were found guilty of most of the financial rule breaches brought against them by the Premier League.
On Wednesday, Guardiola, who left the club at the end of last season after a decade as manager, posted a photograph of himself with City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, alongside a message of support for the club.
“I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” Guardiola wrote. “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.”
The statement comes after an independent commission found City guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial regulations. The club have rejected the findings and intend to appeal against the verdict.
The charges relate to the period from 2009-10 to 2017-18, which includes three of City’s Premier League titles. Guardiola was not in charge for the whole period covered by the case, having taken over in 2016, but City won the 2017-18 title under him after recording a league-record 100 points.
Guardiola had previously defended City throughout the long-running investigation. When the Premier League charged the club with more than 100 alleged breaches in 2023, he said he trusted the club’s position and those running it.
He also remained publicly supportive during Uefa’s investigation in 2020, when City’s two-year Champions League ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on appeal.
Guardiola’s latest statement follows a similar message from the supporters’ group The Citizens Trust, which said it was assessing the commission’s findings and preparing to consult its members and the wider fanbase.
The former City manager remains a global ambassador for City Football Group, which owns Manchester City. His successor, Enzo Maresca, has overseen a strong start to the season, with City currently top of the Premier League.
City have until Friday 2 October to appeal the verdict.
