Micah Richards thinks that Man City could make a mistake by allowing Kevin de Bruyne to go on a free transfer, while Jamie Redknapp says that the international “genius” Belgium could still have a lot to offer in the Premier League.
The Bruyne midfielder made his supporters of the supporters after having made his last appearance in the city at the Etihad stadium during the Premier League victory on Tuesday evening against Bournemouth.
The next 33 -year -old destination is unknown and Richards believes that he could still be a great asset for the Pep Guardiola team next season.
“To let this kind of player go on a free does not sit well,” said Richards on Sky Sports.
“He has so much more to offer this football club.
“I could see him in a deeper role without the pressing figures he once had. But in terms of ball, things are Man City dominates the ball all the time anyway. He could always do a job on the ball, that’s for sure.
“But they made a decision, it is not supposed to be, and I hope that wherever he goes, he goes and does exactly what he has been doing for 10 years. He still has so much to offer at the highest level.
“It’s a superstar, an absolute superstar.”
The Belgian international of Bruyne scored 108 goals in 421 games for City since he joined the German club Wolfsburg in 2015.
During his 10 -year stay, he became City’s most successful player, winning six Premier League titles, two FA cups, five championship cups, the Champions League, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
“He lets his football speak,” said Richards. “He is such a shy character but I met him over the years and I saw how humble he is and how great he is, it’s just great to see.
“He deserved his sending. All those who played with him speak strongly of him, and doing what he did in the Premier League is simply sensational.”
Could Bruyne stay in the Premier League?
Richards’ compatriot, Jamie Redknapp, described Bruyne as a “genius” and thinks that there is a chance that he can stay in English football beyond this season.
In April, Sky Sports News reported that Aston Villa had had internal discussions on a potential decision for De Bruyne, while four MLS, Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, NYCFC and DC United clubs made investigations on the player’s professional and financial expectations.
Redknapp, who interviewed Bruyne on Monday for Sky Sports, said: “I asked him:” What is the next step? What do you think? “And he said,” Maybe the Premier League but I don’t know. “
“There was no” absolutely not “category, so who knows? Because he is not only a great player, but he will also have an ego that he wants to prove himself.
“I can’t wait to see what his next move is,” he added. “He could go to a deeper role.
“It will be fascinating because I would be surprised if there are not a few Premier League clubs, and many will not be able to afford, saying:” I will have it for a few years. He could still do a little for us. “
“There are footballers and there are legends, and it is a legend – an absolute legend for this football club and a legend of the Premier League.
“We use the word” big “a lot; Great does not do him justice, it is a genius.”
In the images: the farewells of de Bruyne at Etihad …
We will miss – Pep conduct tributes to Kevin de Bruyne
Meanwhile, Guardiola called it a sad day when De Bruyne made his last appearance at the City House and admitted that it would be a difficult task to replace him
The city was in tears when tributes were paid to De Bruyne on the big screen. Sergio Aguero, Mike Summerbee, Fernandinho, Aymeric Laporte, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, Riyad Mahrez and Vincent Kompany were among the big clubs and the former players to present in the editing.
Addressing Sky Sports after the match, Guardiola said: “There is something that you cannot buy, if you are honest. He had all love, especially gratitude for the player year after year what he did.”
“The important thing is the emotions for him and his family and our fans,” he added. “Everyone has seen how connected people of Manchester City are connected with him and his family and how much love [they have].
“The titles are nice and everything he has accomplished, but when you leave after 10 years with as much respect and gratitude, there is nothing else better than that.
“The club will make the decision, I am one, but it’s a sad day and we will miss it, there is no doubt about it.”
City has cooled their interest in Florian Wirtz as they are looking for a long -term successor for De Bruyne, but Guardiola admitted that he would not be an easy task to fill his boots.
“As with Sergio (Aguero), players like it is unique and he marked the most important goal in history …
“Ten years, it’s a lot of games, many titles and many moments, today summarize how much it was, it’s so nice, really nice.”