PEP GUARDIOLA has apologised to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard over the “stupid” comments he made in his press conference on Friday.
The Manchester City boss was in bullish mood as he defended his club against the Premier League charges of financial wrongdoing.
He said that nobody could take away the special moments the club have shared with their fans since the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008.
But in doing so he mentioned Gerrard’s infamous slip against Chelsea in 2014 which effectively de-railed the Reds title charge.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s top of the table crunch at Arsenal, Guardiola said he felt “ashamed” of the remarks.
He revealed he had spoken to Gerrard to say sorry but wanted to do so publicly as well.
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The City boss said: “I apologise to Steven Gerrard for my unnecessary and stupid comments I said the last time about him.
“He knows how I admire him and his career for what he has done for this country I am living in.
“I am ashamed of myself for what I said because he doesn’t deserve it.
“I truly believe my comments I said in my previous conference that I defend my club but I didn’t represent my club well by putting his name in this stupid comment.
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“I apologise to him and I said it to him personally, but I comment publicly as well. I am so sorry to him, his wife Alex, kids and family.”
Speaking ahead of the weekend win over Aston Villa, Guardiola had described some of City’s most iconic Prem moments – and how they will never be taken from them.
He said: “There was the goal from Sergio Aguero with Balotelli. I don’t know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping at Anfield, was that our fault?
“All the moments we lived these years together. The Premier League will decide … but I know what we won and the way we won it.”
Guardiola said he will see how Erling Haaland trains on Tuesday afternoon before deciding whether he will start against the Gunners.
The Norwegian suffered a leg injury in the win over Aston Villa on Sunday and was withdrawn at half-time – but he took part in a recovery session on Monday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
