Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted he is ashamed after his recent outburst in the midst of the club's financial storm.
Earlier this month, after the Citizens were charged by the Premier League for breaching more than 100 financial regulations, the Spanish manager hit back at suggestions that City's expenditure helped them get an edge over their competitors.
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Guardiola would go on to reference Steven Gerrard's infamous slip for Liverpool against Chelsea in the 2013/14 campaign as a title-defining moment that was not caused by City's spending.
The Reds icon has often been ridiculed by football supporters for the incident ever since, and it appeared the former Barcelona manager had joined in on the "banter".
While Gerrard never publicly replied to the dig, a lot of criticism was aimed at the Spanish head coach for a statement that was viewed as distasteful by many.
Guardiola has now apologised for the comment aimed at the ex-Aston Villa manager.
"I apologise to Steven Gerrard for my unnecessary and stupid comments I said the last time about him," the 52-year-old said, per The Guardian.
"He knows how I admire him and his career and what he has done for this country I am living and training in.
"I am ashamed of myself for what I said because he doesn't deserve it.
"I truly believe my comments about defending my club, but I didn't represent my club well putting his name in these stupid comments.
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"I apologise. I said to him personally, but I comment publicly and have to do it here as well.
"I am so sorry to him, his wife, Alex, his kids and family because it was stupid."
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