Pep Guardiola says his joke about wanting to "harm himself" was in "no way" meant to make light of the issue of self-harm.
The Manchester City boss caused concern as he displayed visible cuts and marks to his face after his side's 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday.
In a statement on X, he said: "I was caught off guard with a question at the end of a press conference last night about a scratch which had appeared on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused this.
"My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self harm.
"I know that many people struggle with mental health issues every day, and I would like to take this moment to highlight one of the ways in people can seek help, by calling the Samaritans hotline on 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org."
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