23 August 2024 – final weeks before hearing

“I am happy that it starts soon and hopefully it will finish soon. We will accept [the verdict], like we have always done.”

In the months before the legal hearing into the charges began, Guardiola again expressed a desire for haste.

13 September & 21 September 2024 – hearing begins

“I know what people are looking for. I know what they are expecting – I know it because I have read it for many years.

“Everyone is innocent until guilt is proven. It’s like everyone doesn’t expect us to be not just relegated, they want us to disappear off the face of the earth.”

Guardiola again insisted the football world was against City from the outset, as the legal hearing into the case began.

7 February 2025 – anticipating a final verdict

“In one month, I think there will be a verdict and sentence.”

Briefings at the time indicated a verdict was expected in early 2025. Guardiola was under the same impression, but in reality it was a long way off.

The independent commission panel expressed its frustration with the time taken when it eventually published its findings last week.

23 May 2026 – leaving Manchester City

“I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did. What happened, happened.

“If you find me, yeah, but that will be difficult.”

On leaving City, Guardiola underlined his belief in the club’s innocence for a final time and his belief that individuals in the club’s hierarchy were telling the truth.

In the final line, Guardiola again insisted he would give a media conference once the verdict was given – if journalists could find him.