PEP GUARDIOLA’S ‘Open Arms’ hoodie has become a regular feature of his press conferences in recent weeks.
And the organisation – which aims to help refugees looking to escape from war, poverty and persecution – has revealed the full extent of the Manchester City manager’s support.
The Etihad chief paid out £130,000 of his own money to restore one of the Open Arms boats – the Proactiva – so it could return to sea.
He also invited the organisation’s founder Oscar Camps to come and speak to the players at City – with some moved to tears by his stories and adding their support.
Now he has promised to join Camps and his team – who estimate they have saved the lives of around 61,000 people – on one of their mercy missions at sea.
Guardiola told The Athletic: “The work that Open Arms does is extraordinary in helping to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“So many of those who are seeking refuge continue to find themselves in unimaginably difficult situations – often suffering illness, separation from family and, in many cases, loss of life.
“Open Arms has built a framework to protect these displaced people, both in the emergency stage when they are at sea.
“But also in educating and supporting them on land. I want to do all I can to help ensure that the valuable work continues.”
Guardiola’s former Barcelona players Xavi Hernandez and Carles Puyol have both shown their support for the charity.
But the City boss wanted some of his current squad at City to understand why he was so passionate in his support of the charity.
Camps said: “We were invited into the dressing room, where we gave a speech and presentation to the City players,
“We showed the players a video of a rescue mission at sea. Many of the players were in tears.
“There was one player, in particular, from an immigrant background, who was hugely affected.
“Several of the players subsequently decided to make donations to us.
“There are other players in Barcelona and from the Italian league who donate to us.
“Some do not want it to be publicised who they are, because they worry about how it may affect their image perhaps, and there are also some who support us hugely but prefer to give quietly.”
Camps admits the profile of Guardiola has been a huge help in their bid to spread the word.
He said: “Not everyone is like Pep, wearing a hoodie and being visibly supportive.
“But these sporting figures can take this message further than we ever can alone.
“We have increased our following on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.”
Camps is hoping City can go on to seal the Premier League title and that Guardiola will then climb aboard for one of the Open Arms missions.
He added: “Since Pep started wearing the hoodie, his team have won every match.
“Maybe it is a lucky charm. I hope to celebrate the Premier League with him.
“Pep wants to join us on one of the missions.
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“Marc Gasol, the Spanish NBA star, has already been with us on a rescue mission at sea. Marc became a volunteer.
“Pep wants to help, too. He has seen our boats and we are in regular contact.”
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