Pep Guardiola said society would be a better place if people embraced other cultures, as the Manchester City boss responded to Manchester United boss Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments about immigration.
Ratcliffe was forced to apologize this week for “offending some people” after claiming Britain had been “colonized” by immigrants.
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The British billionaire insists there needs to be a “public debate” on the issue.
But Guardiola believes the way countries treat immigrants remains a “big problem” that needs empathy to solve.
“I’m very grateful to Sir Jim. I was lucky enough to meet him. He later issued a statement apologizing,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.
“I’m not going to comment on what Sir Jim Ratcliffe said because after that he said exactly what he wanted to say.
“But the problem that all of our countries face around the world is we see immigrants or people from other countries as a problem that our countries face, and that’s a big, big problem.”
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Guardiola’s worldview was formed during his well-traveled football career.
Born in Catalonia, Spain, he also lived in Italy, Qatar and Mexico during his career.
The 55-year-old has played for Spain, Germany and England during his illustrious coaching career.
“The fact that I’m Catalan and you’re English – what does our birthplace say about us? It’s mum and dad,” he said ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Salford this weekend.
“Everyone wants a better life, a better future for themselves, their family and their friends, and sometimes the opportunities lie where you were born and where you might go.
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“Today, skin color or place of birth no longer matters. We still have a lot of work to do.
“It doesn’t make me think that because I’m Catalan I’m better than you. The education I received from being born and traveling in Mexico and Qatar, or living in Italy, England or Germany, it’s just a benefit of my personality.
“Most people flee their countries because of the problems in their country, not because they want to leave. As long as we embrace other cultures – really, truly embrace it – that will be a better society.”
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