Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he “in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self-harm” after appearing to make a joke about “hurting himself”.
Guardiola made the comment after City’s Champions League draw at home against Feyenoord on Tuesday night. The 53-year-old had been responding to a question about some cuts on his face.
“My finger, yeah… my nail. I want to hurt myself,” Guardiola replied, before smiling and leaving the press conference.
Guardiola’s remark attracted criticism on social media and the City boss addressed the situation in a statement on Wednesday morning.
“I was caught off guard with a question at the end of a press conference last night about a scratch which had appeared on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused this,” Guardiola said on social media.
“My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self-harm.
“I know that many people struggle with mental health issues every day, and I would like to take this moment to highlight one of the ways in people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing [email protected].”
City had been 3-0 up against Feyenoord before conceding three times in the final 20 minutes to draw 3-3, taking their winless run to six matches in all competitions.
Guardiola’s side return to action on Sunday when they face Liverpool at Anfield.
If you would like to talk to someone having read this article, please try Samaritans in the UK or US. You can call 116 123 for free from any phone
(Carl Recine/Getty Images)
