Pep Guardiola has stressed the importance of multiculturalism in the wake of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments claiming the United Kingdom has been “colonised” by immigrants.
The Manchester United co-owner made his remarks in a television interview on Wednesday, prompting criticism from the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Manchester’s mayor Andy Burnham. The English Football Association is also reviewing the comments.
Ratcliffe, the founder of petrochemical firm INEOS, released a statement on Thursday saying he was “sorry that my choice of language has offended some people” but insisted it was “important to raise the issue of controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.”
United issued their own statement on Thursday, saying the club “prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club” and highlighting its “diverse group of players, staff and global community of supporters”, although they did not refer to Ratcliffe specifically.
Guardiola was careful not to dismiss Ratcliffe when asked about his remarks in a press conference to preview Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Salford City. He was, in fact, complimentary of the 73-year-old but did make an impassioned defence of the principles behind multiculturalism and its potential benefits.
“I have a huge appreciation for Sir Jim; I was fortunate to meet him,” the Manchester City manager said at his press conference. “I think he made a statement after, making an apology.
“I won’t comment on what Sir Jim Ratcliffe said… but all around the world, all the countries, we treat the immigrant people, or the people coming from another country, (as) the problem that our countries have. And it’s a big, big, big, big, big problem.”
“The fact I am Catalan and you’re British — what influence did we have where we were born? It was mum and dad, right? I think everybody wants to have a better life, (all) people want to have a better future for themselves, their families, friends or whatever, and sometimes opportunities come from the place you are born, and the place that maybe you go. And before it was so difficult to travel, (but now) in one hour you can be everywhere.
“The moment we start on colour of skin, or place where you’re born… it doesn’t make a difference. We have a lot of work to do.”
Guardiola said the experienced gleaned from his own career, which has included spells playing and coaching in six different countries, had benefited him.
“It doesn’t make me feel that (because) I’m Catalan, I’m better than you — no. My education, where I was born, travelling in Mexico, living in Qatar, Italy, England, Germany – that’s just benefited my personality. I grew up, met incredibly nice people, travelling and that’s what it’s about. But it doesn’t make me feel better just for the fact I was born in one place different to another.
“And most of the people run away from their countries for the problems they have in their countries, not because they want to leave. And as much as we embrace other cultures and embrace it, truly we can be better. (Then) that will be a better society. I don’t have any doubts about that.”
In recent weeks Guardiola has spoken out on global issues, notably the crises in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, and highlighting the actions of federal agents which led to the deaths of two people in the U.S.