Pep Guardiola has responded after Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked controversy with comments about immigration.
Ratcliffe’s remarks drew criticism after he suggested the UK’s immigration system was “broken” and described the situation as “uncontrolled”. The INEOS businessman also said the country could “lose its identity” unless it was addressed.
Asked about Ratcliffe’s comments, Guardiola kept his reply measured and avoided being drawn into a political debate. The Manchester City manager said it was not his place to speak on the issue and stressed that he was focused on football.
Guardiola, who has lived and worked in England for several years, has previously spoken about the importance of different cultures within football and the wider community, but he chose not to expand on that theme on this occasion.
Ratcliffe, a lifelong United supporter who became a minority owner at Old Trafford earlier this year, has taken on control of football operations at the club as part of his investment.
Guardiola’s City and Ratcliffe’s United remain fierce rivals on the pitch, but this time the discussion centred away from football after Ratcliffe’s interview made headlines.
City’s manager made it clear he did not want to add to the debate and instead turned attention back to his team’s upcoming fixtures.
