Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has shared his thoughts on the contentious remarks made by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding UK immigration.
The 73-year-old billionaire faced significant backlash after stating in an interview with Sky News that the UK has been “colonised by immigrants,” a comment for which he later apologized. His remarks have drawn condemnation from various quarters, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Advertisement
In response, Manchester United has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity. However, given the club’s prominent stature and historical significance in England, Ratcliffe’s comments have not been well received in the broader football community.
Meanwhile, Manchester City aims to maintain momentum in their pursuit of trophies as they prepare to face Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend, following a remarkable 10-1 victory over Exeter City in the previous round.
Pep Guardiola has recently used his platform to advocate for the victims of global conflicts, shedding light on the tragedies occurring in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and the United States, while empathizing with those impacted by these crises.
During a press conference ahead of the FA Cup clash with Salford City, Guardiola was asked about Ratcliffe’s immigration comments.
Advertisement
Guardiola expressed, “I hold Sir Jim in high regard; I had the chance to meet him. He issued an apology afterward, so I won’t comment on his remarks, as he has conveyed his intentions. What I can say is that there are global issues regarding immigrants and people relocating to other countries. These are major challenges that societies face.”
“Where we are born is determined by our parents; I’m Catalan, and you’re British. Everyone aspires to live better lives and seek opportunities for a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones. Today, travel is so accessible; in just an hour, one can be anywhere.”
“When we start to judge based on skin color or birthplace, we miss the point. There’s a significant amount of work to be done. My Catalan identity doesn’t make me superior to anyone else. My experiences in Mexico, Qatar, Italy, England, and Germany have enriched my character.”
Advertisement
“I’ve had the privilege of meeting wonderful people through travel, and that’s what matters. We shouldn’t feel superior just because of our place of birth. Many people flee their countries not by choice, but due to the challenges they face there.”
“The more we genuinely embrace diverse cultures, the better we can become as a society. I have no doubt about that.”
Ratcliffe may face disciplinary measures from the Football Association (FA) due to his remarks, which anti-racism organizations such as Show Racism the Red Card have labeled as ‘disgraceful and deeply divisive.’