Pep Guardiola has said “everybody wants a better life” after being asked about Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments on immigrants.
The Manchester City manager said he would not comment specifically on the billionaire’s remarks, which Ratcliffe apologised for on Thursday.
“I have a huge appreciation for Sir Jim,” Guardiola said, speaking before City host fourth-tier Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday. “I was fortunate to meet him.
“[The way] we treat immigrant people and other people that come from other countries… is a problem that our countries have.
“It is a big, big, big, problem because the fact that I am Catalan and you are British – [the] influence we had [about where] we were born was mum and dad, right? That’s why we were born there.”
Pep Guardiola: Man City boss calls for ‘better society’
Guardiola revisited some of the political and societal themes the 55-year-old has discussed in the past.
“Every person wants to have a perspective to have a better future for themselves, for their families or their friends,” he suggested.
“Sometimes opportunities come in the place where you were born and the place you go to. Before it was so difficult to travel, but today, in one hour, you can be everywhere.
“That is why the place where you were born doesn’t make a difference. The moment we start, we have a lot of work to do about that.
“Does it make me feel like I am better than you because I am Catalan? No. My education, when I was born, when I travel in Mexico, live in Qatar, live in Italy, live in England or Germany – that is just the benefit of my personality and how I grew up.
“I met incredible, nice people travelling and that is what it is about, but don’t make me feel bad just for the fact I was born in one place and different from the other.
“Most people run away from their countries for the problems that are in their country, not because they want to leave.
“The more we embrace other cultures – truly embrace it – then we will have a better society. I do not have any doubts about that.”
Will Bernardo Silva extend his Manchester City contract?
Playmaker Bernardo Silva is out of contract at the end of this season, having won the Premier League six times since joining City from Monaco in 2017.
“I don’t have any idea,” Guardiola said when he was asked whether the 31-year-old will extend his stay. “Honestly. I said to him, ‘when you make a decision, let me know’. But I have no idea.”
Guardiola said Silva “leads by example”. “Anyone in the locker room, in the dressing room cannot deny that he has [leadership],” added the Spaniard.
Bernardo Silva stats
Portugal international Silva has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal in the Premier League and another in the Champions League.
The 31-year-old captain has contributed two goals and two assists in his last six starts in all competitions, starting all but two of City’s seven games in Europe and starting in 22 of their 26 league games so far.
Here’s a look at a selection fo the trophies Silva has won at City.
| Title | Years |
| Premier League | 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Champions League | 2023 |
| FA Cup | 2019, 2023 |
| EFL Cup | 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Club World Cup | 2023 |
Manchester City vs Salford: Guardiola wants ‘break’ for players
Salford are sixth in League Two and have beaten two teams in the division above them – Lincoln City and Leyton Orient – on their way to the fourth round.
Karl Robinson’s team also beat opponents in the automatic promotion places in their division in the third round, knocking out Swindon Town at home
“In this competition over [recent] years, [we have been] reaching finals, finals and finals,” said Guardiola.
“Hopefully, we can have a little break after the game, because we are so, so exhausted physically and mentally from this incredible [number] of games in many months.”
City have played 13 times in all competitions in 2026, including a 10-1 victory at home to third-tier Exeter City in the FA Cup third round and a 3-0 home win over Fulham in the Premier League on Wednesday.
What time does Man City vs Salford start? Kick off time in FA Cup
The tie starts at 15:00 GMT (10:00 ET / 07:00 PT) on Saturday and is not being shown on live TV in the UK.
Salford’s subsequent game is at home to relegation-threatened Newport County on Tuesday (19:45). City’s next match will be at home to Newcastle in the top flight on February 21 (20:00).
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