Manchester City key player thanks Guardiola for his support

Manchester City defender and Netherlands national team player, Nathan Ake, expressed gratitude to the team's coach, Pep Guardiola, for the support he provided after the death of the footballer's father.

Nathan's father, Moise Ake, tragically passed away at the age of 63 after a thirteen-year battle with prostate cancer. Following Nathan's debut goal in the UEFA Champions League match against RB Leipzig (6-3 in favor of "The Citizens") in 2021, he learned about his father's passing during the game.

Two years later, during an interview with Mirror, Ake thanked Guardiola for the emotional support he received following the tragic incident. This breaks the myth that football is everything to the Spaniard, as he showed immense care beyond the field.

"I am grateful to Pep [Guardiola] for all that he means to me on and off the field. When my father passed away two years ago, he was fantastic for me. Whenever I needed something or wanted to take some time off, I just had to tell him. He gave me the necessary time and freedom."

No one can deny that Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches of all time. However, critics argue that the Catalan lacks emotional connection with his players, which impacts his coaching prowess. Ake's form at Manchester City significantly improved after his father's passing, and he believes Guardiola played a role in it.

The arrival of Joachim Low at City means that Ake is no longer the reliable defender he was in the previous season. Nevertheless, after signing a new four-year contract with the Citizens last year, it seems he intends to stay at the Etihad Stadium in the foreseeable future.