Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts on recent remarks made by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigrants, stressing that a person’s birthplace should not define their worth.
In a recent interview, Ratcliffe had suggested that British workers should be prioritized for jobs over immigrants, comments for which he later apologized. Speaking to the media, Guardiola addressed the issue directly, offering a measured response.
“I have a huge appreciation for Sir Jim. I was fortunate to meet him,” Guardiola said. “I think he made an apology.”
The Catalan coach then expanded on the wider issue of immigration, describing it as a significant global challenge. He argued that where a person is born is simply a matter of chance and should not be a measure of their value.
“The fact I am Catalan and you’re British, what influence we had where we were born?” Guardiola questioned. “It was mum and dad, right?”
Guardiola emphasized that people around the world are simply seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families. He pointed out that in today’s interconnected world, travel is easier than ever, making movement between countries more common.
“Sometimes opportunities come from the place you are born, and the place that maybe you go,” he explained. “Today, before it was so difficult to travel, in one hour you can be everywhere.”
The Manchester City boss stressed that judging someone by their skin color or origin is wrong. He shared his own experience of living and working in different countries, saying it had enriched him as a person.
“My education where I was born, travelling in Mexico, living in Qatar, Italy, England, Germany, that’s just benefiting my personality,” he said. “I grew up, met incredibly nice people, travelling and that’s what it’s about. It doesn’t make me feel better just for the fact I was born in one place different to another.”
Guardiola concluded by highlighting the difficult circumstances that force many to leave their homelands. “Most of the people run away from their countries for the problems they have in their countries, not because we want to leave,” he said. “The moment we start on colour of skin, or place where you’re born, it doesn’t make a difference. We have a lot, a lot of work to do.”