Pep Guardiola is set to return to the Etihad Stadium next week when Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
According to BBC Sport, the former City manager is expected to attend the fixture on Wednesday, October 14, marking his first visit to the stadium since leaving the club at the end of last season.
Guardiola spent a decade in charge of City, transforming the club into one of Europe’s most dominant sides before bringing his tenure to an end.
His return comes at a significant time for City following the independent commission’s findings into the Premier League’s 115 charges against the club over alleged financial-rule breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
City were found guilty of the majority of the charges and have appealed the findings, while the club continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Guardiola has maintained his support for City’s ownership and leadership throughout the controversy. Earlier this month, he reiterated that he would “always” stand behind the club and expressed confidence that they would overcome the situation together.
The Spaniard enjoyed a remarkable spell at City, winning six Premier League titles, including a record four consecutive championships, as well as the Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
Before his departure, Guardiola had also insisted that he would remain at the club even if City were relegated as a result of the charges.
City face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday before hosting reigning European champions PSG three days later.
Guardiola’s return is expected to add another layer of intrigue to an already high-profile Champions League clash at the stadium where he built one of the most successful eras in Manchester City’s history.
