Pep Guardiola has made his clearest statement yet on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, condemning the war and lamenting the fact it has happened and the long-term consequences it will bring.
The Manchester City boss strongly criticised Russian president Vladimir Putin and his needless desire to end innocent lives when asked about the situation ahead of his team's game against Sporting CP.
The war touches the City squad particularly close as they have Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko in their ranks, who has also been outspoken against the situation.
"The thing is that countries are being destroyed because one person has decided that innocent people must be annihilated," Guardiola told Eleven.
"The world has stopped, people are silent, not ordinary people because everyone is against it.
"But the world's governments who need to make a decision or say that this shouldn't happen."
Guardiola's comments are notable because Manchester City are backed by the United Arab Emirates, a state which has been reluctant to criticise Putin officially and has even been accused of helping Russia by refusing to increase its oil production.
"If it's happened it's because of a failure of politics, the economy, everyone," said Guardiola.
"When this happens the amount of hate generated in future generations...to sort that out you might need a century.
"The Ukrainian people will never forget what has been done to them. They were in their homes, going to school, having lunch, dinner...and then because of one man's decision, my country is destroyed."
Guardiola went on to express his frustration that not enough is being done to stop the war, which the UAE abstained from voting to stop at the UN on February 25.
Manchester City host Sporting CP at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday and have a 5-0 lead from the first leg.
SIDKAUSH
243
Whole west Asia was destroyed because one country decided so. What about that?
ciecknrsty
195
where are you when Nato decided to destroy Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan
SIDKAUSH
125
Once a wise Man said "To be USA's enemy is BAD, but to be its friend its FATAL" We can all just have sympathy for poor Ukrainian citizens, but they have their Govt to blame for trusting NATO and going against their ethical blood Brothers Russians. "NATO can never be trust" latest Statement from Volodmyr Zelensky President of Ukraine
Briankasupe
103
this is what i know Right now
Waubekpsuz
84
I’m not against the war, i strongly support Vladimir Puttin
Lo’le
78
This is the difference, even you can’t mentioned his name (Putin). We are sand with putin🦾
STORMDC
58
for those of you who are still debating politics here.......somewhere in Ukraine A grandmother has lost her grandson A mother has lost her beloved daughter A family has lost their only hope for a better future... A community has lost a future leader... And last but definitely not least,a country has lost its dignity because they are considered small and insignificant....... I stand with no one on this war,But I write it boldly...... I SAY NO TO WARS ✊✊✊
Ziccklst
10
You Russian go to hell, u are a murderer also
you killed 1 million ppl in iraq! you have no moral obligation to jugde shut up
AdelMahmoud
9
Whole west Asia was destroyed because one country decided so. What about that?
You mean United States of terror
SIDKAUSH
8
How could you possibly spin this on the people of Ukraine.... They have the right to form alliances with whoever they want without being invaded.... Make some sense.
Ya very easy to say when you are far away from the actual scene and enjoying from the west side of the world. Why did america had problem with Cuba when it had deep ties with USSR. They had right too