Guardiola returns to support City as fans welcome him with a message

Pep Guardiola reappeared to support Manchester City against PSG, in a match the club lost 2-4. Supporters welcomed his return and unfurled a banner bearing the letters “CTID”, for “City till I die”. Guardiola watched from the directors’ box, two rows behind chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano.

His appearance came after a ruling found Manchester City guilty of 114 of the 115 financial breaches under examination, covering a nine-season period from 2009 to 2018. The club hosted PSG after that decision. The reception from the stands was overwhelmingly positive, with fans rallying around the team.

The moment also revives questions about Guardiola’s legacy at Manchester City. He managed the club from 2016 to 2026 and won 20 major titles there. Now replaced in the dugout by Enzo Maresca, Guardiola sent a message to the supporters: “I want the Manchester City fans all around the world to know that I am here.” Maresca must now deal with the consequences of the Premier League verdict. Guardiola’s return gave the evening a particular significance, bringing together the support shown in the stands and the questions surrounding the club.