Pep Guardiola led the tributes to “one of the greatest midfielders to have ever played in this country” following the news Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season.
De Bruyne made the announcement this morning, bringing an end to a decade of success at City that has seen him help the club to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and their first Champions League.
The Belgian has made 413 appearances for City since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, scoring 106 times and providing 174 assists in all competitions.
A thread for a six-time Premier League champion, Kevin De Bruyne ✨
Starting with his first, 2017/18 📸 pic.twitter.com/uVXDIwMTEl
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 4, 2025
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It’s a sad day – Pep
It remains to be seen exactly when he will depart – Guardiola was not sure whether he will play in this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States – but he knows the club are losing one of their most iconic players.
He said: “It’s a sad day but also a happy day for the pleasure I have had with him.
“He gave us all of his humanity and his influence over the last decade…it’s impossible to have managed it without him. Part of us is leaving.”
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City are in the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will play Nottingham Forest, and have eight league games left and Guardiola knows the club’s fans will give him a fitting send-off.
“We can enjoy him with the fans and give him the love that he deserves,” he added.
“To have been involved in 280 goals and assists shows he is one of the greatest midfielders to have ever played in this country.
“You always have to respect some of the other incredible players from the past 20-30 years at this club but there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest.
“His assists, his goals, his vision in the final third, that will be so difficult to replace. Anyone can make an assist but how many years? How many games? That makes him unique.
“His performance has been outstanding. We have won a lot of trophies and he has been involved in every single one.”
Kevin De Bruyne's goals on repeat 😍 pic.twitter.com/koGuZ6jTUt
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 4, 2025
Guardiola will miss departing De Bruyne
De Bruyne informed Guardiola of his decision “a few days ago” and the former Barcelona boss admitted he will also miss him on a personal level.
He said: “We always had a special relationship. He’s a special person and a special player, he was treated in a special way.
“It’s one decade [that they have been together], do you know how many games, training sessions, meetings, good moments, bad moments?
“It’s an emotional moment, these situations are always so difficult because there are emotions involved. We are going to enjoy the last two months together.
“People in England especially recognise the players that have given something unique. He has been polite off the pitch, with referees, with opponents… that will be remembered forever.
“I like the fact he’s announced it today because that means he can say goodbye with the 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
De Bruyne statue likely
Asked if De Bruyne would have a statue built in his honour, Guardiola said: “I don’t know but I will bet a lot of money that it’s going to happen.”
Reports this morning claimed De Bruyne, who turns 34 in June, would be open to joining Neom SC, who play in the Saudi Arabian second division, for next season.
He has also been linked with clubs in Major League Soccer.
Wherever he ends up, he leaves the Premier League as one of the all-time greats.
A four-time City player of the season, he was also named in the Premier League’s Team of the Year five times, UEFA’s Team of the Year three times and named PFA Players’ Player of the Year twice.
He came third in voting for the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
