Pep Guardiola’s mother, Dolors Sala Carrió, has died in Manresa, Barcelona, (aged 82) from coronavirus, news greeted by an outpouring of condolences from across football for the Manchester city manager and his family.
The EPL champions said : “The Man City family are fallen to report the death today of Pep’s mother, Dolors Sala Carrió, after obtaining COVID19. Everyone related to Manchester City sends their heartfelt sympathies at this most grievous time to Pep and his family.”
Khaldoon al-Mubarak, chairman of the city, said: “Our prayers and heartfelt sympathies to Pep and his family at this saddest time. He and that they have the love and support of the whole City family.”
Man Utd and Arsenal were among many clubs domestically and abroad who offered their condolences. Utd tweeted: “Everyone at Manchester United is saddened to listen to this terrible news. We are sending heartfelt condolences to Pep and his family.”
Last month Guardiola donated €1m to the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation and Medical College of Barcelona for the purchase of kit to assist fight the virus in Spain. it's killed over 13,000 people within the country, making it one among the hardest-hit nations.
Dolors was a former employee of a textile factory near to the family’s point Santpedor about 40 miles north of Barcelona. She had four children including Pep and Pere, who is a player agent and represents his brother. one among the daughters, Francesca, may be a politician who has been Catalonia’s representative to the Nordic countries.
When Barcelona wanted to sign Pep as a promising young player, Dolors, along side her husband, Valenti, refused the offer before accepting the club’s second attempt.
Guardiola went on to possess a glittering playing and managerial career. He captained the club and was a key member of Barca’s inaugural European Cup-winning side in 1992 before managing the club to 2 more wins within the competition, securing a treble in 2008-09, his first season responsible .
Barcelona : “we're deeply disappointed through the loss of life of Pep's mom thru the hard scenario and we might adore to specific our most heartfelt condolences.”
Bayern Munich, whom he coached between 2013 and 2016, tweeted: “Dearest Pep, everyone at FC Bayern is mourning with you and your family.”