"It Pains Me Greatly...": Pep Guardiola Speaks Out For Gaza During University Ceremony (image-instagram/mancity)
Pep Guardiola, one of the most respected football managers and Manchester City head coach, during a ceremonial event at the University of Manchester, expressed his deep sorrow over what Palestinian children are enduring on a day-to-day basis. During the speech, he emphasised that what is happening in Gaza cannot be ignored, especially with the targeting of children who are less than five years old.
The head coach was awarded an honorary doctorate as the university leadership recognised Pep’s invaluable contribution to society, sports, and human values. The title was personally presented by University Director Nazir Afzal. The award is considered the university’s highest honour, given only to those who have shown strong dedication to social justice and the public good.
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After being honoured with the doctorate, he said, “It pains me greatly what is happening in Gaza; this is not an ideological issue, nor is it a competition of who is right and who is wrong. We see children aged four and five dying under bombardment or in hospitals that are no longer hospitals.”
“Yes, some may say this does not concern us, but it will reach us one day; the upcoming children who will be killed could be our children.”
The Spanish coach further added that each day when he wakes up to see his kids, ever since the nightmare began in Gaza, “I’m so scared. Maybe this image feels far away from where we are living now. And you might ask what we can do,” he added.
Guardiola also spoke on the importance of standing up for what’s right and not taking the backseat, worrying about what might happen if one speaks up. Narrating a powerful story of a bird alone trying to save a forest caught on fire, while all the other animals stood terrified, unwilling to take a step forward, he recalled how the snake asked what difference it would make with the small amount of water the bird carried in its little beak, flying back and forth. The bird’s reply was a stark reminder to all: “I’m just doing my part.”
The coach continued that the bird knows nothing much would change; however, the story reminds us that power lies in making the right choice, not in its scale. “It’s about showing up, about refusing to be silent or still when it matters most.”
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Guardiola is known for his humanitarian stances and calls out all humanity to act and show stance even in the simplest means. The coach’s statement was met with warm applause from the audience who were moved by his impactful words highlighting the need for action from the international community.
