Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has broken his silence following the club’s guilty verdict, releasing a resolute statement of solidarity despite his previous insistence that he would walk away if ownership had lied to him regarding financial irregularities.

Guardiola addressed the situation on September 30, releasing a 54-word statement across his official social media platforms.

The comments mark his first public remarks regarding the investigation since the Premier League officially confirmed on September 29 that an independent commission had found the club guilty of 114 financial charges.

The official league announcement followed initial reports that had first broken via The Athletic and Reuters four days earlier, on September 25.

“I want every single Man City fan to know I am here; more than ever,” Guardiola stated. “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 timing of Guardiola’s departure from the Etihad Stadium provides a complex backdrop to his current stance.

The manager abruptly resigned from his post in May 2026, concluding a decade-long tenure (2016–2026) that yielded six Premier League titles, alongside the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League.

He was subsequently replaced by former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, whom Guardiola referenced in his statement.

During the earlier stages of the Premier League’s investigation, Guardiola famously declared that he would immediately resign if he discovered the club’s hierarchy had lied to him regarding their financial operations.

Following the formal guilty verdict, rival supporters weaponised his May departure, theorising that the manager resigned precisely because he received advance knowledge of the impending legal outcome.

Despite that narrative and the proven financial breaches during his tenure, Guardiola has publicly backed the institution.

Manchester City now face the sentencing phase of the tribunal process. The independent commission wields absolute disciplinary authority to determine the club’s punishment. The sweeping regulations permit the panel to impose unparalleled sporting sanctions.

These potential consequences range from severe financial penalties and significant points deductions to the retroactive stripping of historical titles or permanent expulsion from the English top flight.

The club has formally indicated its intention to appeal the verdict, describing itself as “disappointed and surprised” by the commission’s opinion and maintaining there is “irrefutable evidence” supporting its position.

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed his departure from the Portuguese national team camp, releasing a statement that promises to eventually reveal the underlying truth behind his sudden exit.

The announcement directly followed a press conference in which national team manager Jorge Jesus dismissed rumours of a rift between the pair.

According to his official release, the 41-year-old forward ultimately finalised his decision after a subsequent meeting with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença.

“After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team camp,” Ronaldo stated.

Refusing to elaborate immediately on the specific internal dynamics, he added: “In time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I always devoted myself.”

“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception,” he concluded.

The tension originated during Portugal’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Norway on September 27.

Jesus opted to leave Ronaldo as an unused substitute at the Ullevaal Stadion. The omission sparked widespread reports of severe friction, which Jesus subsequently attempted to play down during his latest media address by claiming there was never a problem in the first place.

Following his departure from the camp, Ronaldo is now unavailable for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixture against Denmark.

This is not the first time Ronaldo’s role as a starter has generated significant managerial friction.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, former head coach Fernando Santos notably benched the captain for the knockout stages.

Ronaldo was left out of the starting lineup for both the 6-1 Round of 16 victory over Switzerland and the subsequent 1-0 Quarter-Final elimination against Morocco, a decision that created similar unrest within the national setup at the time.

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing trouble with Portugal manager Jorge Jesus after failing to report to training as scheduled.

As per multiple reports, tensions are growing in the relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus after the Al-Nassr captain was left out of Portugal’s last match.

Ronaldo was on the bench in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway in their UEFA Nations League clash on Sunday.

It was the first time since 2008 that Ronaldo did not play or come off the bench for Portugal in a game he was available to play.

The decision appears to disappoint the former Real Madrid man, who then reacted by not turning up for training.

According to Portuguese media outlets, Ronaldo refused to work in the gym and did not take part in Monday’s training. Ronaldo’s decision not to train reportedly did not go down well with Jesus, who is displeased with the reaction of his captain.

Report however said, the Portuguese FA has now intervened in the situation, with Ronaldo and Jesus having talks.

The situation has reportedly been resolved, with the Portuguese FA revealing in a statement that peace has returned to the dressing room.

Ronaldo and Jesus are both expected to address the situation in their press conference ahead of the clash against Denmark on Thursday.

However, it remains to be seen if the 41-year-old will return to the lineup or play any part in the game. Portugal currently top their group with six points, three ahead of Denmark and Norway.