Pep Guardiola, the manager of English football club Manchester City, has openly defended immigrants following remarks made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of a minority stake in Manchester United. Ratcliffe's comments suggested that Britain had been colonized by immigrants, which sparked significant backlash and was labeled as 'racist'. In light of these statements, Guardiola stressed the importance of embracing different cultures to improve society, highlighting how immigrants are often unjustly blamed for local issues.

Guardiola expressed his respect for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, mentioning that he had a fortunate opportunity to meet him and acknowledged Ratcliffe's subsequent apology for any offense caused by his statements. However, Guardiola emphasized that the broader issue of how nations treat immigrants remains a 'big problem', indicating that reactions toward immigrants often stem from societal misconceptions about their contributions. He pointed out that immigrants are frequently scapegoated for the challenges facing their host countries rather than being recognized for the diversity and strength they bring.

This exchange not only highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration in the UK but also sheds light on the responsibility of public figures in addressing such sensitive topics. Guardiola's stance advocates for unity and appreciation of multiculturalism, suggesting that dialogue is needed to foster understanding and acceptance in contemporary society, especially in the face of rising xenophobia and divisive rhetoric in various parts of the world.