Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City after winning six Premier League titles
ByShamoon HafezManchester City reporter- Published25 minutes ago
Pep Guardiola says he trusts Manchester City behaved correctly as he prepares to leave before verdicts arrive on the 115 charges concerning alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.
Guardiola announced on Friday he will step down as City manager following 10 years in which he won 20 trophies, including both the FA Cup and EFL Cup this season.
In February 2023, following a four-year investigation, City were charged and referred to an independent commission over alleged breaches which are said to have taken place between 2009 and 2018.
City strongly deny all charges and have said their case is supported by a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence".
The Premier League claims City breached rules requiring the club to provide "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position".
But three years on, the outcome of those charges remains unknown, with the independent commission yet to publish a ruling.
Asked why he has defended the club so strenuously during his tenure, Guardiola said: "I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did. What happened, happened."
Guardiola took charge in 2016 and while there is no suggestion that the Spaniard was aware of any alleged wrongdoing, there is a two-year overlap with the period in question and his tenure at Etihad Stadium.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss added: "There will be a resolution, but nobody from the staff, of the backroom staff or mainly the players and the manager was here."
The 55-year-old Guardiola will become an ambassador for City Football Group, of which Manchester City are a part, but plans to take a rest and will not return to coaching "for a while".
Asked if he will come back to Manchester for a news conference once the outcome of the charges have been revealed, Guardiola said: "If you find me, yeah, but that will be difficult."
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