Guardiola's strong speech on Gaza: The next children will be ours

Pep Guardiola was given a state honours at Whitworth Hall, where the University of Manchester’s Chancellor, Nazir Afzal, presented him with an honorary degree. A valuable recognition of his contribution to the city during his nine years as City manager, an adventure that has allowed him to leave an indelible mark on the city. During the ceremony, the Spaniard gave a powerful acceptance speech, during which he also spoke about the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, defending the people of Gaza. He spoke of the pain he feels for the conflict that has been going on for almost two years, urging everyone to do their part to seek peace.

Guardiola's speech on Gaza

The focus is on that part of the world that since the end of 2023 has been shaken by a war that brings death and destruction every day. For this reason, the coach, in his acceptance speech, also dwells on what is happening in Gaza: “It is so painful what we see in Gaza. It hurts my whole body. And to be clear, it is not a matter of ideology. It is not about whether I am right or you are wrong. It is only about the love of life, about caring for others. Maybe we think we see 4-year-old children killed by bombs or killed in the hospital because it is no longer a hospital. It does not belong to us.”

The call to those who hear is to do their part: “We may think it doesn’t belong to us. But be careful. The next one will be ours. The next four or five-year-olds will be ours. I’m sorry, but I see my children when I wake up every morning since this nightmare with the babies in Gaza began. And I’m very afraid. Maybe this picture seems far away from where we live now. And you may wonder what we can do.”

The speech is strong and touches on the most painful topics of current affairs.

Guardiola insists on the commitment that each of us must make in this situation. To explain it well, he tells a short but meaningful story: “A story comes to mind. A forest is on fire. All the animals run away, terrified, helpless, surrendered. But a little bird flies back and forth, back and forth towards the sea, back and forth, bringing drops of water in its little beak. The snake laughs and asks: 'Why, brother? You will never put out the fire'. The bird replies: 'Yes, I know'. 'Then why do you do it again and again?' – asks the snake again. 'I am only doing my part', replies the bird.”

What does this mean?

It is coach Guardiola himself who explains it: "That is, the bird knows that it cannot put out the fire, but it refuses to do anything. In a world that often tells us that we are too small to make a difference, this story reminds me that the power of each person does not lie in size. It lies in choice. In presence, in refusing to be silent or to stand still when it matters most."

An important call from the Spaniard, who does not remain silent and takes a stand at such an important moment, which he chooses to dedicate not only to sport, but to a concrete commitment to finally achieve peace.