Pep Guardiola’s mother dies from coronavirus

Manchester City have announced the death of Dolors Sala Carrio at the age of 82 after she contracted coronavirus

(Getty)

The mother of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has died after contracting coronavirus, aged 82.

Dolors Sala Carrio was diagnosed with coronavirus after showing symptoms in Barcelona, with the Premier League club announcing her tragic death on Monday afternoon.

A club statement 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. She was 82-years-old.

“Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends.”

Guardiola has been active in contributing towards the fight against coronavirus, having donated one million euros (£918,000) towards a Barcelona-based charity.

The announcement comes with Spain one of the worst-hit countries of coronavirus in the world, with the latest numbers from the John Hopkins University recording 135,000 confirmed cases, second only to the United States, and more than 13,000 deaths that is the most worldwide outside of Italy, which has recorded nearly 16,000 deaths.

The 49-year-old also filmed a video last month as part of the club’s Cityzens At Home initiative, in which the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager urged fans to “stay at home” as part of the national effort to help the National Health Service, adding that everyone should follow the advice of scientists, doctors and nurses.

Guardiola, who also played for Barcelona from joining their academy in 1984 until his departure in 2001, made his contribution to a campaign launched by the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation and Medical College of Barcelona.

“Pep Guardiola has made a donation of one million euros to the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation for the acquisition and supply of health equipment to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic,” said a statement from the College.

Dolors Sala (right) passed away at the age of 82 (Rex) (Rex Features)

The donation campaign promoted by the Medical College of Barcelona and managed through the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation aims to collect medical materials and financial contributions from collegiate doctors and the general population, for the purchase of medical equipment and equipment that is currently lacking in health centres in Catalonia.

It will also help finance the alternative production, through 3D printing and other methods, of respirators and personal protection equipment for healthcare staff.