Pep Guardiola tells Manchester City supporter group to send him the bill for Etihad Stadium banner | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has told a supporters group to send him the bill for a new banner to be unveiled at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

It was revealed earlier on Friday that ‘The1894 Group’ – who organise the Etihad Stadium pre-match displays – have raised more than £1,000 in just 24 hours to create a banner in connection with The 93:20 Podcast.

It is understood that the banner was designed and made in just a few days and will read: ‘Pep Guardiola, we want you to stay’ in his native Catalan language, after fans overwhelmingly voted for the message to be printed in Catalan as a mark of respect to Guardiola himself.

A spokesperson for The 93:20 Podcast told the Manchester Evening News, “In sporting terms Pep (Guardiola) has done for (Manchester) City what Johann Cruyff did for Barcelona.

“Every single supporter I know is desperate for him to stay and continue to build on his legacy at the club. We chant his name every game and now we want him to know everyone in Etihad is desperate for him to stay beyond this season.”

However, when the subject of the banner was put to the Catalan tactician during his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Fulham on Saturday afternoon, the Manchester City manager issued a clear response whilst being hugely appreciative of the message sent to him.

“They have to bring me the bill; I will pay for the banner! I don’t want them to spend money for that reason,” Guardiola said.

He continued, “What can I say?! Thank you so much! I fell in love since the first day I came and was here. What is going to happen [with his future] is going to happen.”

Pep Guardiola’s current Manchester City contract is set to expire at the end of the ongoing season, and the Etihad Stadium hierarchy are intent on persuading him to extend his stay beyond the 10-year mark with a new and improved deal.

Guardiola present his latest Premier League trophy to the club’s ownership in Abu Dhabi over the summer months, and given his close relationship with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, there is a relaxed feeling within the Etihad Stadium over his future.

Manchester City will in turn give Pep Guardiola the necessary time and space to make a decision on his future at the club without any pressure to extend, such is the magnitude of the success he has brought to the organisation over his eight complete seasons so far.