Guardiola's First Comment on Manchester City's 'Crisis': I Will Remain Supportive of the Club

- The Spanish coach Pep Guardiola expressed his support for his former club Manchester City after it was found guilty of violating the financial rules of the Premier League over nine seasons. The Premier League announced on Tuesday that an independent committee found that the "Citizens" had used "fictitious trading to artificially inflate the club's revenues" between the 2009/2010 and 2018/2019 seasons.

It also found that the club provided "misleading accounts" and concealed "the true state of its finances from auditors and football regulatory bodies," in addition to "failing to cooperate" with the league's investigation. Later, Manchester City responded, stating: "The club is disappointed and astonished by the Premier League committee's opinion published today (Tuesday), the club asserts its innocence of the charges brought against it by the Premier League, and has compelling and comprehensive evidence supporting all its positions regarding this matter, therefore, the club will continue its diligent struggle and will take proactive measures when necessary, in all relevant regulatory and legal bodies."

He added: "The Premier League's proceedings are still ongoing, with significant elements yet to be completed, and Manchester City will now resort to all available avenues of appeal, on the basis that the opinion contains clear substantive errors in law, principles, and facts, and that it is unsound." He continued: "The club has seriously respected due legal processes for eight years on the basis that the Premier League and the executive management would act as an independent, impartial, and fair regulatory body, free from partisan influence, it is clear that the club is constrained in what it can say further until all future proceedings are completed."

Guardiola wrote on his Instagram account on Wednesday: "I want every Manchester City fan around the world to know that I am here, more than ever." He added: "I have always been, and will always be, supportive of my club, its owners, the chairman, the players, the staff (current coach Enzo Maresca), and you, our unique fans."

The 55-year-old coach affirmed: "Let me be clear: We will get through this together, I love you all." Pep Guardiola spent 10 years with the "Citizens," winning 20 titles including the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup.