Guardiola stepped down from his post as the club’s manager this summer, calling time on a hugely decorated decade of football in which he won 20 major honours.
But a shadow has been cast over his reign since an independent commission found City guilty of 114 of the 115 charges of financial misconduct and of obstructing the investigation brought against them. City maintain their innocence and have appealed the decision.
Pep Guardiola watches Man City vs PSG from the Etihad director’s box
Getty
The charges span much of Guardiola’s spell with the club, but he has thrown his support behind the club, saying in a statement after the verdict was released: “I want every single ManCity fan to know I am here; more than ever.
“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.”
It has been reported that Guardiola, who continues to serve as a global ambassador for City, held talks with both men pre-match as they looked to put on a united front.
Guardiola was welcomed back with a pyrotechnic display and a fan mosaic in the stand which read CTID, or ‘City till I die.’
‘City Till I Die’: The Etihad stand sports a fan mosaic
Getty
Since Guardiola left City, a stand at the Etihad has been named after him.