IRISH international Harry Arter has thanked Pep Guardiola for his “unbelievable” gesture after the Manchester City manager sought him out at full time on Monday.
Guardiola made a point of approaching the Bournemouth midfielder after his City side cruised to a 2-0 away victory at the Vitality Stadium on Monday night.
Arter and his wife Rachel are expecting a child this week. In December 2015 the couple's daughter Renee was delivered stillborn.
Speaking to the Cherries midfielder after the game, Guardiola was seen to say sorry for Arter’s loss and wish him the best for the imminent arrival of his new child.
Arter was full of praise for Guardiola after the incident and said that he has “massive respect” for the former Barcelona boss.
Arter told Bournemouth’s Daily Echo: "He offered his best wishes for me and my partner this week, which was an unbelievable touch.
"He is someone I have a massive amount of respect for. I watched his Barcelona teams – and look at his Manchester City side tonight.
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From Pep to @HarryArter2, a touch of class...
"He gave me and my partner his best wishes ahead of the birth of our child."#afcb ? pic.twitter.com/BEu0MaRbBK
— AFC Bournemouth ? (@afcbournemouth) February 13, 2017
"For me, he is the best manager in the world. I don’t think there’s anybody close to him and what he has achieved.
"For him to offer that to me, I respected it and accepted it with a smile on my face."
Sky Sports' cameras appeared to captured Guardiola telling Arter he was "so sorry about what happened”.
Asked about his conversation with Arter in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: "He will be a father soon so I said big congratulations to him and his partner.
“I know what happened in the past, and, hopefully, the baby will be well."
London-born Arter has a tattoo dedicated to Renee on his arm. Speaking about the tragedy recently, he said: "Every single game now I go out to play for her.”
WATCH: Pep Guardiola shows his class as he speaks to Harry Arter. #MNF match highlights: https://t.co/uZxbTUmTDQ https://t.co/RfVB9eYOO5
— Sky Football ⚽️ (@SkyFootball) February 14, 2017
