Pep Guardiola was on his way out when he came face-to-face with a handful of autograph hunters waiting for him in a parking area near his home. A brief moment turned into a tense exchange, one that was captured on video and shared across social media. Guardiola, looking tired and impatient, didn’t hold back.
“Don’t come again, I won’t tell you again, I know your faces,” he said, signing items but making his frustration clear. “Go to school and prepare yourselves, guys. You are young guys, so don’t be here, wasting time.” His voice rose with genuine concern when he asked, “Do you want to live your life doing this honestly?”
Despite the anger in his tone, Guardiola kept signing. According to a Manchester City fan account, the group had blocked his car and delayed his departure for training. Though tinged with profanity, the manager’s outburst focused on a deeper issue: he suspected these weren’t fans hoping for personal keepsakes but individuals looking to resell signed gear. One pair of his signed City shirts can fetch up to $600 online, and incidents like these have increased across Manchester.
Are autograph hunters crossing the line?
In recent months, Manchester United has experienced similar problems, with people gathering near Old Trafford and the team’s training grounds hoping to profit from signatures. Guardiola’s reaction, while blunt, echoes the frustrations of many high-profile figures who feel they’re being used as quick paydays.
“Let’s continue to do it,” he told one man who claimed to have been a chef. “Prepare better. F****** hell, man, this isn’t for all the people, this is for you. What are your dreams? Tell me, what is it? Where do you dream, my friend? Practice, f***ing hell, practice.”
It was a harsh reprimand and a plea, urging them to find more meaningful pursuits. Online reactions have ranged from applause for his candor to criticism of his tone. Some argue that autograph hunting is part of sports culture. Others sympathize with Guardiola, who has found himself in intrusive situations before.
Ultimately, however forceful, the manager’s message touched on broader themes of ambition and self-improvement. He signed the merchandise but left behind a question that can’t be answered with a quick sale: how far will people go for a signature, and is it worth it in the end?
