Sky Sports forced to apologise after Pep Guardiola comments in Man City farewell speech

Sky Sports were forced to issue an on-air apology after an emotional Pep Guardiola swore during his farewell speech to Manchester City supporters.

The legendary City boss bid goodbye to the Etihad Stadium after bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 10-year spell in charge.

Although Guardiola's final home game ended in disappointment following a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, the Spaniard was still given an emotional send-off by supporters after the full-time whistle.

Ollie Watkins scored twice for Villa to spoil the occasion on the pitch, but attention quickly shifted to Guardiola's farewell address as City fans stayed behind to honour the most successful manager in the club's history.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The 55-year-old appeared visibly emotional as he addressed supporters during a ceremony broadcast live by Sky Sports.

However, the broadcaster was left scrambling after Guardiola used explicit language while reflecting on his decade in Manchester.

"And let me finish with what I wanted to say a few days ago, that they didn't allow me to say," Guardiola told the crowd.

"It has been f******g fun."

The comment immediately prompted an apology from Sky Sports presenters for the live broadcast swearing.

Earlier in the speech, Guardiola admitted he was struggling to control his emotions during one of the biggest moments of his managerial career.

"I'm so nervous. Terrified right now," he said.

"Why do you love me so much? Why do you do that to me?"

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• David Sullivan seen running away from vicious West Ham chants after Premier League relegation
• Alex Scott fights back tears as Football Focus ends amid 'woke' row
• Emma Raducanu makes emotional admission in press conference after teary French Open exit

Guardiola also spoke movingly about the connection he had formed with City supporters during his extraordinary reign.

"It has been an incredible, tremendous honour to be your manager and to be here during these 10 years," he added.

The departing boss urged fans to remember more than just the trophies won during his time at the club.

"Please, I would love you not to just remember the trophies that we won," Guardiola said.

"Hopefully, through these unbelievable players, we provided emotions that made people come here and feel maybe we are going to have fun."

Guardiola also paid tribute to his family, including his 94-year-old father, who was present inside the stadium for the emotional farewell.

"My dad is here in the stands, 94 years old," he said.

"Maybe he doesn't realise it, but I'm pretty sure my wife and my kids realise that for many, many years our family name will be here."

The Spaniard went on to thank City owner Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak before praising several current and former players.

Guardiola singled out John Stones and Bernardo Silva, who also played their final home game for the club.

He also referenced former City stars including Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan while discussing the standards established during his era.

As the speech drew to a close, Guardiola delivered one final emotional plea to supporters.

"If in the next few years you see me in the streets anywhere around the world, if you are a Manchester City fan, come and hug me," he said.

"I will need it."

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter