Pep Guardiola leaves Man City: Manager reiterates trust over financial charges

City strongly deny all charges and have said their case is supported by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence”.

The Premier League claims City breached rules requiring the club to provide “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position”.

But three years on, the outcome of those charges remains unknown, with the independent commission yet to publish a ruling.

Asked why he has defended the club so strenuously during his tenure, Guardiola said: “I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did. What happened, happened.”

Guardiola took charge in 2016 and while there is no suggestion that the Spaniard was aware of any alleged wrongdoing, there is a two-year overlap with the period in question and his tenure at Etihad Stadium.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss added: “There will be a resolution, but nobody from the staff, of the backroom staff or mainly the players and the manager was here.”

The 55-year-old Guardiola will become an ambassador for City Football Group, of which Manchester City are a part, but plans to take a rest and will not return to coaching “for a while”.

Asked if he will come back to Manchester for a news conference once the outcome of the charges have been revealed, Guardiola said: “If you find me, yeah, but that will be difficult.”