It’s always a nice moment when humanity shines through in football, and Pep Guardiola is a bigger man than most in the game.
In the afterglow of Manchester City’s win over Bournemouth, the former Barcelona boss went over to embrace Cherries midfielder Harry Arter.
Sky Sports – “I’m so sorry for what happened, I wish you… | Facebook
Arter told the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “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.”
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From Pep to @HarryArter2, a touch of class…
"He gave me and my partner his best wishes ahead of the birth of our child."#afcb ?? pic.twitter.com/BEu0MaRbBK
— AFC Bournemouth ?? (@afcbournemouth) February 13, 2017
Arter announced in October that his partner Rachel was pregnant, less than a year after the couple’s baby Renee was stillborn.
The 27-year-old won a lot of admirers for the way he handled himself in the aftermath of that traumatic time, both for his contribution on the pitch and for the positive influence he was able to have by talking openly about such a difficult situation.
And people were impressed that Guardiola took the time to single out a guy who’d been through such a tough time.
#AFCB: @HarryArter2 just told me Pep Guardiola came to him on pitch to wish him well for impending new addition to family. Classy touch.
— Kris Temple (@kristemple) February 13, 2017
Pep Guardiola ?????? – pure class with Harry Arter tonight and also with Bradley Lowery earlier in the season. #afcb #MCFC #safc #topman
— Paul Doran (@PabloTheMackem) February 14, 2017
Pep Guardiola had a word with Harry Arter after the game & wished him luck with impending birth of his child & congratulated him. Top man.
— Adam Blackmore (@AdamBlackmore) February 13, 2017
I respected Pep Guardiola before today's match but after his kind words to Harry Arter my respect has gone to another level! Bravo Pep #AFCB
— Patrick Devitt (@coach_pat13) February 14, 2017
Pure class from Pep Guardiola there passed on his condolences to Harry Arter for everything he went through.
— City Chief ? (@City_Chief) February 13, 2017
Great work, Pep.
