Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has apologised for his comments about former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard last week.
Guardiola mentioned Gerrard’s infamous slip during the 2014 Premier League title race when addressing the media ahead of City’s clash with Aston Villa.
The Spaniard defended the success of Manchester City under the club’s Abu Dhabi ownership, in the wake of the news that the Premier League had charged the club with more than 100 alleged financial breaches.
At his pre-match press conference, Guardiola brought up Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea that handed the title initiative to Manchester City during the 2013/14 season.
“I don’t know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping at Anfield. Was that our fault? I have respect for Steven Gerrard – but that moment belongs to us,” Guardiola said on Friday.
Guardiola has since apologised to Gerrard for his comments and said he was ‘ashamed’ after aiming a dig in the direction of ex-Liverpool star.
Speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday’s crucial clash with Arsenal, the City boss issued an apology.
“They were stupid comments. He knows how i admire him, his career, what he has done for the country in which I’m living and working. I’m ashamed of myself. He doesn’t deserve it. I was defending my club but didn’t represent it well by using his name.”
