Pep Guardiola has reacted in a furious way when he was asked about money laundering.
Manchester City strolled past Watford in the FA Cup finals at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The Citizens completed their ‘domestic treble’ with that trouncing, and thereby, created a history which is an unparallel statement in English football.
Off late, Manchester City’s success has been overshadowed by their Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. The Blues are set to be sent to Court of Arbitration (CAS) by the UEFA after certain clarifications were made.
In the leaked documents by the German publication, Der Spiegel, Manchester City reportedly offered more money to their former manager Roberto Mancini. The Italian International signed as sporting director of a UAE based club and received incentive money by taking up the role.
With the rumours rumbling about the same matter again, a journalist asked if Pep received the money from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Spanish International was left infuriated, but never gave a strong reply to that query. Asked if he had received any similar extra payments from City, Guardiola fumed: “Do you know the question that you are asking me? Do you know the question you are asking me – if I receive money for another situation right now today?
“Honestly, do you think I deserve to make this kind of question? What happened to Roberto, I don’t know.
“The day we won the treble…. did I receive money for other situations?”
Guardiola shook his head before muttering ‘Oh my God’ and said: “Are you accusing me? Are you accusing me to receive money under that situation?”
The City boss added: “I said yesterday, we are not guilty until it’s proven. This club makes a big step forward with the investment (we have made).
“Can you do that without top players? No way. Money helps to buy the incredible players we have, yes.
“But (regarding the UEFA investigation) we wait, if we’re punished we accept it. But I listen to my chairman (Khaldoon al-Mubarak) and my CEO (Ferran Soriano), they give me the arguments for why we are under investigation and I trust them.
“They tell me we are fair and we absolutely follow the rules, I believe them. If the opponents and contenders think it’s just about the money, it is okay.”
Here’s how Twitter reacted..
Pep Guardiola was infuriated in the immediate aftermath of Manchester City’s historic domestic treble when asked by a journalist if he was being accused of ‘receiving money’ through separate payments from the club’s Abu Dhabi owners. @georgegalloway pic.twitter.com/aiBWtDT1Zu
— Kit George (@kitgeorge78) May 19, 2019
Pep Guardiola furious over financial fair play question after Manchester City’s treble triumph. https://t.co/iRpszFHoBh pic.twitter.com/98qcqpeR0J
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) May 18, 2019
Pep Guardiola reacted angrily after being asked whether he had received any secret payments from Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi owners.
“Are you accusing me? Are you accusing me to receive money under that situation?”https://t.co/BOsjPmPLno
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) May 19, 2019
What’s next?
Before the season kicks on, Manchester City will take on Liverpool in the FA Community Shield.