April 7 – The mother of Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has died aged 82 after contracting the coronavirus, the club announced on Monday.
Dolors Sala Carrio, Guardiola’s mother, was diagnosed with coronavirus after showing symptoms in Barcelona. On Monday afternoon, the Premier League club announced her passing.
A club statement on Twitter read: “The Manchester City family are devastated to report the death today of Pep’s mother Dolors Sala Carrio in Manresa, Barcelona after contracting coronavirus. She was 82-years-old.
“Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends.”
Last month, the Manchester City coach had donated €1 million to a Barcelona-based charity in the fight against the coronavirus. Guardiola also recorded a video message in March, urging fans to “stay at home” as part of the club’s Cityzens At Home initiative. He added that everyone should follow the advice of scientists and doctors.
Following the news, Manchester United, City’s cross-town rivals, showed their support to Guardiola with a social media message “Everyone at Manchester United is saddened to hear this terrible news. We send our heartfelt condolences to Pep and his family. #ACityUnited,” read a Twitter post.
Spain has been one of the worst-affected countries in the world by the pandemic, with more than 135,000 cases and more than 13,000 deaths.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1734961171labto1734961171ofdlr1734961171owedi1734961171sni@o1734961171fni1734961171