Following Manchester City's 2-0 win at Bournemouth last night, Pep Guardiola jogged onto the pitch to embrace and congratulate his players. He also sought out Bournemouth and Ireland midfielder Harry Arter.
Guardiola warmly embraced Arter, and the pair enjoyed a rather lengthy chat, arm-in-arm, as they exited the pitch.
Numerous amateur lip-readers on Twitter seemed to notice Guardiola say, "I'm so sorry for what happened" - believed to be in reference to Arter and his partner Rachel having lost stillborn daughter Renee in December 2015. It's fair to say there were lumps in throats.
WATCH: Pep Guardiola shows his class as he speaks to Harry Arter. #MNF match highlights: https://t.co/uZxbTUmTDQ https://t.co/RfVB9eYOO5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 14, 2017
Speaking to the Bournemouth Echo after the game, Arter elaborated on his chat with the City boss, and explained how Guardiola had wished him well for the week ahead; Rachel, as it transpires, is due to give birth in the coming days.
He offered his best wishes for me and my partner this week, which was an unbelievable touch.
He is someone I have a massive amount of respect for. I watched his Barcelona teams - and look at his Manchester City side tonight.
For me, he is the best manager in the world. I don’t think there’s anybody close to him and what he has achieved.
For him to offer that to me, I respected it and accepted it with a smile on my face.
It was indeed a lovely human gesture from a man who, at times, can be perceived as somewhat of a footballing robot, and hasn't exactly endeared himself to Premier League fans this season.
After his warm exchange with Arter, Guardiola told his post-match press conference:
He will be a father soon so I said big congratulations to him and his partner because I know what happened in the past, and, hopefully, the baby will be well.
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