Pep Guardiola uses University of Manchester stage to talk about Gaza after receiving honorary degree
The Manchester City boss received an honorary doctorate on Monday
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola delivered a politically-charged speech about Gaza after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester on Monday.
The 54-year-old was presented with the award by the university's chancellor, Nazir Afzal, at Whitworth Hall.
The ceremony recognised Guardiola's contribution to the city during his nine years at the Etihad Stadium.
Since joining Manchester City in 2016, the Spaniard has won six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups and a Champions League trophy.
Pep Guardiola spoke about the conflict in Gaza
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After collecting the award, Guardiola took the opportunity to speak about the conflict in Gaza, delivering what witnesses described as a powerful address.
"It's so painful what we see in Gaza. It hurts all my body," Guardiola said during his address.
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The Manchester City manager appeared to urge those listening to intervene to stop the deaths of young children.
"Let me be clear - it's not about ideology.
"It's not about, 'I'm right and you're wrong'. Come on, it's just about the love of life. About the care of your neighbour."
Guardiola warned against indifference, saying: "Maybe we think that we can see the boys and girls of four years old being killed with a bomb or being killed at the hospital - which is not a hospital any more - and think it's not our business."
He continued with a stark warning: "Yeah, fine. We can think about that. It's not our business. But be careful. The next one will be ours. The next four, five-year-old kids will be ours."
The manager revealed his personal fears, saying: "Sorry that I see my kids, Maria, Marius and Valentina, every morning since the nightmare started in Gaza. And I'm so scared."
"In a world that often tells us that we are too small to make a difference, that story reminds me that the power of one is not about the scale, it's about choice. About showing up, about refusing to be silent or still when it matters most," Guardiola explained.
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Pep Guardiola also admitted his deep love of Manchester
PAThe Spaniard also expressed his deep affection for Manchester during the ceremony.
"Catalonia is my hometown, but Manchester will remain something unique for the rest of my life. I have lived the best moments of my life here," he said.
He added: "I even start to love the rain, the dark days and nights. It's part of my bones, I would say."
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