Pep Guardiola issues heartfelt apology to Steven Gerrard, says he's 'ashamed' of himself

Pep Guardiola has issued a heartfelt apology to Steven Gerrard following his slip claim when discussing Manchester City's Premier League charge.

Guardiola referenced Gerrard's infamous slip against Chelsea in a press conference last week after sharing his thoughts on the alleged breaches for financial rules.

During a fierce and passionate defence of the club, he aimed a dig at the Liverpool legend, saying: "I don't know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping. You know that situation at Anfield? I didn't want it out of respect for Steven Gerrard, but it's our fault?"

But the Blues boss began his pre-match conference on Tuesday by apologising to Gerrard and said he was 'ashamed' of himself, revealing he has also apologised to his family.

Speaking ahead of his side's top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal, he said: "I apologise to Steven Gerrard for my unnecessary and stupid comments I said last time about him.

"He knows how I admire him and his career, what he has done for this country where I'm living and training. I am ashamed of myself for what I said because he doesn't deserve it.

"I truly believe in my comments in my previous press conference to defend my club but I didn't represent my club well putting his name in these stupid comments.

"I apologised to him personally but I have to do it here as well. I'm so sorry for him, for Alex his wife, kids, family because it was stupid."

READ MORE: Gerrard has made his opinion about Guardiola very clear as Man City boss issues apology to Liverpool legend

Pep Guardiola and Steven Gerrard shake hands during last season's fixture. Image: Alamy

Guardiola's team won their first match since their charge as they beat Aston Villa 3-1 last weekend, with the Etihad crowd booing the Premier League anthem before kick-off.

On facing league leaders Arsenal next, he added: "So far they are the best team in the Premier League, they made an incredible first leg of the league. We felt it a few weeks ago in the FA Cup here. The commitment, they are sharp.

"We have to try to read the game we're going to play. It will be a big, big battle. In the departments, you have to be ready.

"I do not truly believe one week ago we are out of form and now we're back in form. Every game is different, you can play good and win and everything is perfect but tomorrow you could lose and everything is not good.

"Many games to play, a lot of points. Tomorrow is an important one, everyone knows it, and we'll try to perform well."