Pep addresses Man City fans over guilty verdict

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In February 2023, the Premier League charged Manchester City with 115 breaches of the competition's rules across a nine-year period.

In a statement released on Wednesday (AEST), the Premier League confirmed City had been found guilty of all charges that related to serious breaches of financial rules and the majority of charges which were "in relation to its failure to co-operate with the league's investigation".

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said City had "systematically broken Premier League Rules for nearly a decade" and described the decision as the "most significant" in the competition's history.

City has pledged to fight the ruling and has until 2 October to exercise its right to appeal, with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak saying last week he remained confident of proving the club's innocence.

Former City defender Micah Richards, who won a Premier League title and an FA Cup during his time at the club, said the verdict left him feeling "absolutely devastated".

But former head coach Guardiola issued a more defiant response via his social media channels on Wednesday, outlining his continued support for the club's hierarchy.

"I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever," Guardiola wrote, alongside an image of himself and Al Mubarak.

"I am, always have been, and always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano, chief executive of the City Football Group], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters.

"Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."

Guardiola won 20 major trophies during his decade-long stint with City, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and the UEFA Champions League in 2022-2023.