Nico Gonzalez 'feels bad' for City players and staff after 114-charge guilty verdict

Nico Gonzalez, who left Manchester City for Newcastle United in a £50 million summer transfer, has broken his silence on the independent panel’s verdict that found his former club guilty on 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges — saying he ‘feels bad’ for the players and staff caught in the fallout.

The panel confirmed that City arranged ‘sham’ sponsorship deals to artificially inflate their revenue by around £900 million. City have appealed the decision, stating they hold ‘irrefutable evidence’ of their innocence. Potential punishments — which remain unconfirmed — could include significant points deductions, relegation from the Premier League, or substantial fines.

Gonzalez, 24, was careful not to wade into the specifics of the case but made clear where his personal loyalties lie. “It’s hard for me because I have mixed emotions,” he said. “I really want them to succeed, not only my old teammates, but people who work there. I had a year and a half there and I built so many connections and so many relationships and I will always wish them the best personally.”

Asked whether the uncertainty would weigh on the players, he added: “That’s something I didn’t like, not knowing what’s going to happen in the future, so obviously I feel bad for them. Not only for them, but for some staff members, some people that work behind the scenes — for everyone it must be a really hard situation.”

The Spanish midfielder has made three appearances for Newcastle since his move but was sidelined by a head injury sustained in the defeat to Leeds United, with concussion protocols ruling him out of the subsequent victory over Hull City. He is expected to return for Newcastle’s away fixture against Coventry City on Monday evening.

City, meanwhile, are preparing for their Premier League fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.