Pep Guardiola led tributes to “one of the greatest fields of land to have ever played in this country” after the news that Kevin de Bruyne leaves Manchester City when his contract will expire at the end of the season.
De Bruyne made this announcement this morning, ending a decade of success in City who saw him help the club with six Premier League titles, with two FA cups, five championship cups and his first Champions League.
The Belgian made 413 appearances for City since he joined Wolfsburg in 2015, marking 106 times and providing 174 assists in all competitions.
A thread for a champion of the Premier League six times, Kevin de Bruyne ✨
Starting with its first, 2017/18 📸 pic.twitter.com/uvxdiwmtel
– Premier League (@premierleague) April 4, 2025
It’s a sad day – pep
He remains to be seen exactly when he left – Guardiola did not know if he will play in the club World Cup this summer in the United States – but he knows that the club loses one of their most emblematic players.
He said: “It’s a sad day but also a happy day for the pleasure I had with him.
“He has given us all his humanity and influence in the last decade … It is impossible to have managed him without him. Part of us left. “
City is in the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will play in Nottingham Forest, and will have eight championship games and Guardiola knows that club fans will give it an appropriate shipment.
“We can appreciate him with fans and give him the love he deserves,” he added.
“For having been involved in 280 goals and assists, he is one of the greatest fields in the field to have ever played in this country.
“You must always respect some of the other incredible players of the last 20-30 years in this club, but there is no doubt that it is one of the best.
“His aid, his objectives, his vision in the last third, which will be so difficult to replace. Anyone can make a decisive pass but how many years? How many games? This makes it unique.
“His performance was exceptional. We have won a lot of trophies and was involved in each.”
Kevin de Bruyne’s goals in rehearsal 😍 pic.twitter.com/koguz6jtut
– Premier League (@premierleague) April 4, 2025
Guardiola will fail to leave Bruyne
De Bruyne informed Guardiola of his decision “a few days ago” and the former boss of Barcelona admitted that he would also miss a personal level.
He said, “We have always had a special relationship. He is a special person and a special player, he was treated specially.
“It’s a decade [that they have been together]Do you know how many games, training sessions, meetings, good times, bad times?
“It’s an emotional moment, these situations are still as difficult because there are emotions involved. We will enjoy the last two months together.
“People in England especially recognize the players who have given something unique. He was polished on the ground, with referees, with adversaries … which we will remember forever.
“I like the fact that he announced it today because it means that he can say goodbye with people.”
This moment between Pep Guardiola and Kevin de Bruyne after the 2023 Champions League final 🥺🏆 pic.twitter.com/6bww50orqr
– Football on TNT SPORTS (@footballontnt) April 4, 2025
Bruyne statue probably
When asked if De Bruyne would have a statue built in his honor, Guardiola said: “I don’t know but I will bet a lot of money that it will happen.”
Information this morning said that De Bruyne, who will be 34 years old in June, would be open to membership in Neom SC, who plays in the Saudi second division for next season.
He was also linked to clubs from Major League Soccer.
Wherever he finishes, he leaves the Premier League as one of the greats of all time.
Player of the city season four times, he was also appointed to the team of the year of the Premier League five times, the team of the UEFA year three times and appointed the player of the year of PFA players twice.
He arrived third by voting for the Ballon d’Or 2022.
