Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola apologised to England and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard over "unnecessary and stupid" remarks about the former midfielder's famous slip against Chelsea in 2014.
The Spaniard made a sarcastic jab at Manchester City for being blamed for Gerrard's infamous slip in Liverpool's 2-0 loss to Chelsea at Anfield in their 2013–14 title-clinching match.
"I don't know if we are responsible for Steven Gerrard slipping at Anfield. Was that our fault? I have respect for Steven Gerrard but that moment belongs to us," Guardiola said before his side's win over Aston Villa.
"I apologise to Steven Gerrard for the unnecessary and stupid comments I said the last time about him. He [Gerrard] knows how I admire him, his career, and what he has done for this country that I am living and training in.
"I am ashamed of myself for what I said because he [Gerrard] doesn’t deserve it. I truly believe my comments in my previous press conference to defend my club but I didn’t represent my club well putting his name in these stupid comments.
"I apologise and I said to him [Gerrard] personally but I have to do it here as well. I’m so sorry for him, for Alex (his wife), kids, and family, because it was stupid."
Sunday's critical win for the Blues against Aston Villa came a week after their humiliating loss at Tottenham, thanks to goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, and Riyad Mahrez.
Manchester City will have the chance to overtake Arsenal as the league's top team if they win against the league leaders on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will be seeking redemption after recent lacklustre performances against Everton and Brentford.