Harry Arter has thanked Pep Guardiola for an ‘unbelievable touch’ in the aftermath of Bournemouth’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Bournemouth’s Harry Arter shoots
Television cameras captured the pair embracing and sharing what looked like a cordial conversation on the pitch, the contents of which Arter shared with the Bournemouth Echo.
“He offered his best wishes for me and my partner this week, which was an unbelievable touch,” said Arter, whose child is due to be born in the coming days.
He and his partner Rachel sadly lost their stillborn daughter Renee in December 2015, with the midfielder playing in Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over Manchester United just days later, and he has since spoken of how his daughter has become the motivation behind every performance.
“He is someone I have a massive amount of respect for,” Arter continued. “I watched his Barcelona teams – and look at his Manchester City side tonight.
“For him to offer that to me, I respected it and accepted it with a smile on my face.”
Pep Guardiola’s side have won three league games on the bounce
Arter has been one of the stars of Bournemouth’s Premier League adventure, impressing with his work-rate and effective use of the ball having joined the Cherries in League One.
His displays have prompted international recognition too, winning four caps for the Republic of Ireland, but he missed out on going to Euro 2016 because of injury and was unable to stop City overpowering Bournemouth last night to leave the home side winless in their last six games.
As for Guardiola, the gesture saw him praised by fans of many clubs online and he looked to be in a buoyant mood after seeing his side move up to second in the Premier League.
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