Manchester City have confirmed that Pep Guardiola’s mother has died after contracting the coronavirus.
Dolors Sala Carrio died in Barcelona after falling ill. She was 82 years old.
A statement issued by City on Monday read, “The Manchester City family are devastated to report the death today of Pep’s mother Dolors Sala Carrio in Manresa, Barcelona after contracting coronavirus.
“Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends.”
Speaking on behalf of the club, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said in a statement: “Our prayers and heartfelt sympathies are with Pep and his family at this overwhelmingly sad time.
“He and they have the love and support of the entire City family.”
City rivals Manchester United also expressed their condolences shortly after hearing the news.
“Everyone at Manchester United is saddened to hear this terrible news. We send our heartfelt condolences to Pep and his family,” the club said in a tweet.
Guardiola’s mother’s death comes weeks after he made a donation worth €1 million to help overburdened healthcare systems deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
Guardiola’s offering went to the Barcelona Medical College and the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation, with a statement saying that the money would be used for the “acquisition of sanitary material during the COVID-19 emergency.”
Guardiola has also provided support to help Catalonia’s battle against coronavirus. Spain has been badly affected by the pandemic, with more than 13,000 deaths reported. The country has more than 135,000 confirmed cases, more than that of any other country in Europe, though the rate of new infections has started to slow.