Pep Guardiola responds to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s immigration comments

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says we will «have a better society» by embracing other cultures.

Guardiola was asked for his response to comments made by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe when he said the UK had been «colonised by immigrants».

Ratcliffe later apologised for «offending some people» but maintained «open debate» on the matter was still needed.

Speaking at a news conference before Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Salford (15:00 GMT), Spaniard Guardiola said: «Everybody wants to have a better life. Every person wants to have a perspective to have a better future for themselves, for their families or their friends. Sometimes opportunities come in the place that you were born and the place that you go.

«That is why the place you were born doesn’t make a difference.

«Most people run away from their countries for the problems that are in their country, not because they want to leave.

«The more we embrace other cultures, truly embrace it, then we will have a better society – I do not have any doubts about that.»

Guardiola was born in Santpedor, in the Catalan region of Spain, and spent time in his homeland as well as Italy, Qatar and Mexico as a player.

As a manager, the 55-year-old has had spells in Spain, Germany and England – taking charge of Manchester City in 2016.

«It is a problem all around the world,» Guardiola said.

«We treat immigrants or people that come from other countries like they are the ones causing problems for our country. It’s a big problem because the fact I am Catalan and you are British? What influence did we have on where we were born?

«Everyone wants to have a better life, everyone wants to have a better future for themselves and their families. Sometimes the opportunities are where you are born and sometimes it is in the place where you go.

«The colour of your skin or the place where you were born don’t make a difference.»