Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Kevin De Bruyne is among the Premier League’s greatest midfielders after the Belgian announced his decision to leave the club at the end of this season.
De Bruyne, 33, signed to City from Wolfsburg in 2015, winning the Champions League, six Premier League titles, and a raft of other honours.
He announced his decision on social media, writing “This city. This club. These people... gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what we won EVERYTHING.”
Guardiola could not speak highly enough of De Bruyne as he reflected on his time working with the player, which he described as ‘special’.
He said: “[De Bruyne] gave us all his humanity and of course, his influence in our success in the last decade. That would not have been possible without him. It is hard for us, his leaving.
“A decade is a long time... it is an emotional moment. We are going to enjoy the last two months here together.
“When Vincent [Kompany], Sergio [Aguero], or David Silva left, of course it is a sad day. But we still have ten games, hopefully eleven, and some at home that we can enjoy with our fans. He will get the love and recognition from all of us and the fans that he deserves.”
In Guardiola’s eyes, De Bruyne is comfortably among the league’s greatest players.
Asked whether De Bruyne deserved a statue commemorating his time at the Etihad, Guardiola said: “I don’t know for sure, but I would bet a lot of money that it will happen.
“He is one of the league’s greatest midfielders. You always have to be careful with respect for other incredible players in the last 20, 30 years in this club, but come on. There is no doubt he is one of the greatest with his consistency.
“The last year and a half, he has had injury problems, but his consistency in important games and other games, there is no doubt.”
Unsurprisingly, Guardiola said it would be difficult to replace De Bruyne, who has been a keystone member of the City squad since he signed. The Belgian midfielder is the only player in the current Man City squad who was at the club when Guardiola signed in 2016.
“His vision in the final third is difficult to replace,” the City boss said.
“Any person can discuss that his performances in this decade have been outstanding. We won a lot of trophies and he has been involved in every one. The doors are open for the rest of his life. He is part of the family of this club.”
Guardiola does not yet know whether De Bruyne will participate in this summer’s Club World Cup, saying it was up to the club and player to decide.
