Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued an apology to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard for his "unnecessary and stupid comments" in last Friday's press conference.
The Spaniard's press conference ahead of City's 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday was dominated by the news that the club have been charged by the Premier League with breaching numerous financial rules.
While defending the charges imposed on City, Guardiola mocked Gerrard's infamous slip against Chelsea which helped hand the 2013-14 title to the Citizens, questioning whether the incident was City's "fault".
Gerrard, who ended his hugely-successful playing career without a Premier League title to his name, lost his footing at a crucial moment, allowing Demba Ba to run through and secure a 2-0 win for Chelsea at Anfield in their third-to-last game of the season.
"I don't know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping at Anfield. Was that our fault? I have respect for Steven Gerrard – but that moment belongs to us," Guardiola said on Friday.
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However, Guardiola decided to open his press conference on Tuesday by apologising to Gerrard before taking questions on City's trip to Arsenal on Wednesday.
"I apologise to Steven Gerrard for my unnecessary and stupid comments I said last time about him," the 52-year-old told reporters.
"He knows how I admire him and his career, what he has done for this country where I'm living and training. I am ashamed of myself for what I said because he doesn't deserve it.
"I truly believe in my comments in my previous press conference to defend my club but I didn't represent my club well putting his name in these stupid comments.
"I apologised to him personally but I have to do it here as well. I'm so sorry for him, for Alex his wife, kids, family because it was stupid."
Following the Premier League's announcement in relation to the charges, Man City released a statement expressing their 'surprise', but acknowledged that they welcome the review by the independent commission and "look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all."
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Man City responded to the Premier League's charges in defiant fashion with a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and another three points secured on Wednesday would see them leapfrog Arsenal at the top of the table.
The Citizens have been provided with an injury boost regarding top scorer Erling Braut Haaland ahead of their trip to the Emirates Stadium, as the striker took part in a recovery session with his teammates at the club's training ground on Monday.
However, Guadiola has remained coy on the Norwegian's fitness and refused to comment on whether he will be fit to feature in North London.
City's only other injury concern is with defender John Stones, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury which he sustained in the FA Cup fourth-round win over Arsenal last month.
Oliver Thomas
