Pep Guardiola interrupted Manchester City’s title celebrations to send support and best wishes to the seriously ill Sir Alex Ferguson.
Former Manchester United manager Ferguson, 76, is in a stable condition in Salford Royal Hospital, one of the country’s top neurological centres, after emergency surgery for a brain haemorrhage on Saturday. Those close to him are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about his recovery.
Guardiola said: ‘It’s so sad. Get well Sir Alex. A big hug and our thoughts are with his wife (Lady Cathy) and all the Manchester United family because he’s the most important person in I don’t know how many years.
‘I was glad to have dinner with him two weeks ago.
‘All the Manchester City fans in the stadium.
‘You cannot find one person who does not wish the best for an amazing person.
Hopefully he can recover and come back as quick as he can.’
Sir Alex was operated on after being transferred from Macclesfield District Hospital following a fall at home.
The next 48 hours are key in terms of assessing the impact of the brain haemorrhage.
Ferguson’s condition has stunned football. Pele, Carlo Ancelotti and Massimiliano Allegri posted messages on social media.
The depth of feeling was illustrated in a tweet from United’s official account which said: ‘Please. Be strong. Win this one.’
Fans have left flowers by Ferguson’s statue at Old Trafford, while others visited the club’s chapel to pray for him.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: ‘I was with him on the pitch last week and I went to see him in the box after the game. He looked in a perfect shape.
‘We wish him well and that he recovers quickly. He is a strong and optimistic man.’
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