Manchester City's Pep Guardiola sorry for Steven Gerrard comment

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has issued an apology to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard after he made a reference to the former midfielder's infamous "slip" in a press conference last week.

The comment was a reference to Liverpool’s loss against Chelsea in 2014, when Gerrard slipped at a crucial time in the game resulting in Liverpool losing the match and Manchester City, then managed by Manuel Pellegrini, securing the Premier League title.

When asked about the potential impact of City's alleged breaches of Premier League financial fair play rules, Guardiola responded by stating, "I don't know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping…"

However, in a press conference ahead of Manchester City's top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal on Tuesday, Guardiola expressed remorse for his comments. "I apologise to Steven Gerrard for my unnecessary stupid comments about him," he told reporters. "He knows how I admire him and his career, what he has done for this country. I am ashamed of myself, he doesn't deserve it."

Guardiola also revealed that he had personally contacted Gerrard to apologise for his remarks, although he stood by his defence of Manchester City's conduct in relation to the Premier League charges, as well as his claims that rival clubs were instrumental in them. "I truly believe in my comments about defending my club, but I didn't represent my club well by bringing up his [Gerrard's] name in these stupid comments. I am so sorry to him, his kids, wife, family. It was stupid."

The Manchester City boss will be hoping to regain the top spot in the Premier League table when they face Arsenal in a crucial match on Wednesday night.