Pep Guardiola urges for a more inclusive society to accept diverse cultures.
MANCHESTER, England — Pep Guardiola has chosen not to directly address comments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigrants “colonising” the U.K., but stated that perspectives akin to those expressed by the Manchester United co-owner represent “a significant, significant issue.”
Ratcliffe has faced substantial backlash for remarks made during an interview with Sky News, in which the British billionaire — who resides in Monaco — claimed that “large numbers of immigrants” were exerting pressure on the U.K. economy.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, supporter groups of United, and the anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out were among those who criticized the 73-year-old’s statements.
Ratcliffe has since expressed regret for “his choice of words.”
While Guardiola recognized that some aspects of Ratcliffe’s interview have been retracted, the Manchester City manager expressed concern over the notion that immigrants are viewed as a problem.
“I have great respect for Sir Jim; I was fortunate to meet him,” Guardiola stated at a press conference on Friday.
“He issued a statement afterward to apologize. I am not commenting on what Sir Jim Ratcliffe said because he clarified his intentions, but globally [it is] an issue we face in all nations.
“We regard immigrants or individuals from other countries as the cause of the issues our nations encounter, and that is a significant, significant, significant, significant, significant issue.”
United attempted to mitigate the fallout from Ratcliffe’s remarks by releasing a statement on Thursday asserting that the club “takes pride in being an inclusive and welcoming organization.”
Sources have informed ESPN that the FA is examining Ratcliffe’s interview, although a formal investigation has not yet been initiated.
Guardiola has passionately addressed various topics in recent press conferences, including Palestine, Sudan, and the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in the U.S., and he reiterated his views on immigration.
“Everyone aspires to improve their lives and seek a better future for themselves, their families, and their friends, and sometimes opportunities arise in the place where you are born and in the places you may go,” Guardiola remarked.
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“Today, the color of one’s skin or the place of birth should not matter. We have much work to do regarding this.
“Most individuals flee their countries due to issues within those nations, not because they wish to leave.
“The more we genuinely embrace other cultures, the better our society will become.”
