It's possible that if a guy tells his ex-girlfriend that she deserves better than him, it could indicate that he still cares about her in some way. However, it's essential to interpret such statements with caution, as they can have various meanings depending on the context and the individual's intentions.
Here are some potential reasons why he might say this:
He still cares: He genuinely believes that she deserves someone who can provide her with a better and healthier relationship. This could indicate that he cares about her well-being and wants her to be happy, even if it means acknowledging his own shortcomings.
Guilt or regret: He might be feeling guilty about past mistakes or regrets about the way the relationship ended. Expressing that she deserves better could be a way of acknowledging that he wasn't able to meet her needs or treat her as well as she deserved.
Self-deprecation: Sometimes people use self-deprecating language to cope with a breakup. By saying she deserves better than him, he might be trying to protect himself from the pain of the breakup or seeking validation from her that he's not worthy of her love.
Manipulation: Unfortunately, some individuals may use this kind of statement as a manipulation tactic to make their ex-girlfriend feel sorry for them or to keep them emotionally attached, even after the relationship has ended.
Ultimately, you can't determine his true feelings solely based on this statement. It's essential to consider the broader context of their past relationship, his actions, and how he behaves in the aftermath of the breakup. If you're the ex-girlfriend in this situation, take some time for self-reflection and carefully consider what is best for your well-being before making any decisions regarding the relationship. If you're concerned about his intentions or if there are unresolved feelings, it may be helpful to have an open and honest conversation with him about it.