Manchester City fans unveiled a banner honouring Pep Guardiola ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against Fulham, but also pleading with their manager.
Guardiola arrived in Manchester in summer 2016 and has presided over a historic period for the club.
City have won six Premier League titles under Guardiola, including an ongoing record run of four in a row. That haul has also been burnished by six domestic cups and a maiden UEFA Champions League crown in 2022/23 as part of a treble.
The Premier League's case against City, which alleges 130 breaches of competition rules, looms over this era-defining run and is currently before an independent panel, with a verdict expected in early 2025.
However, the issue at the forefront of the minds of many City fans comes a little further into next year. In June 2025, Guardiola's contract at the Etihad Stadium expires.
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What does Man City fans' banner mean? Pep Guardiola message explained
A banner unfurled in the Etihad Stadium's South Stand, funded following a collection by the 1894 fans group and the 93:20 podcast, read: "Pep Guardiola — Volem que et Quedis!"
Pep Guardiola - we want you to stay. Message on banner in home end at the Etihad Stadium. pic.twitter.com/apqluoxmwp
— Paul Hirst (@hirstclass) October 5, 2024
The message translates as "Pep Guardiola — We want you to stay!" from Catalan, the language of Guardiola's home region in Spain.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss penned an initial three-year deal when he joined City and agreed extensions in 2018, 2020 and 2022.
The latter two were signed during the November international breaks of the seasons in question, once Guardiola had the chance to take the temperature of his squad and assess whether both he and his players had the appetite to continue their fruitful relationship.
It goes a long way to explaining the timing of the banner, with decision time seemingly looming once more.
What did Pep Guardiola say about Man City banner?
Guardiola notably declined to discuss his future when asked about the banner at his pre-match news conference but expressed his gratitude — even offering to pay back the £1,000 raised by supporters.
"They have to bring me the bill — I will pay for the banner! I don't want them to spend money for that reason," he said.
"What can I say? Thank you so much. I fell in love since the first day I came and was here. What is going to happen [with his future] is going to happen."
