Pep Guardiola Pays Tribute to Outgoing Kevin De Bruyne

Key Takeaways:

• Kevin De Bruyne to leave Manchester City at the end of the current season upon contract expiry
• Pep Guardiola hails De Bruyne as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history
• Manager expects the Belgian to receive immense recognition, possibly including a statue at the Etihad

Farewell to a Club Legend

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered an emotional farewell to Kevin De Bruyne, following the midfielder’s formal announcement that he will exit the club when his contract expires this summer. De Bruyne’s decision—revealed shortly before Guardiola’s press conference—marks the end of a glittering era at the Etihad Stadium.

Entering the press room with visible emotion, Guardiola paused before responding to the opening question concerning De Bruyne’s departure. “A sad day,” he began. “And a happy day for the fact the pleasure personally we lived this time with him, what he gave to all of us, his humanity.”

"Sad day" 🥲

Pep Guardiola reflects on his time working with Kevin De Bruyne after he announced he's leaving Manchester City at the season 🩵 pic.twitter.com/JZiPiMOiL1

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 4, 2025

He reflected on De Bruyne’s legacy alongside former City icons. “It’s not necessary to tell his success with us in the last decade—impossible to imagine without him. A sad day because a part of us is leaving. When Vincent [Kompany] left or Sergio [Agüero] left or David Silva left, their contribution… I can say more names, these three are examples.”

Guardiola made it clear that fans still have a final opportunity to show their appreciation. “But still we have 10 games, and hopefully 11, six games at home that still we can enjoy with our fans and he will get – I’m pretty sure – the love and recognition that all of us, fans of course, that he deserves.”

A Career of Consistency and Brilliance

Throughout the open portion of the press conference, attention centred solely on De Bruyne, whose influence has defined a dominant chapter in Manchester City’s modern history. Guardiola suggested that a statue at the Etihad would be fitting recognition of a player of De Bruyne’s calibre.

“One of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country,” said Guardiola firmly. He added, “And I think with City there’s no doubt.” Highlighting the need for historical perspective, he noted the importance of acknowledging former City greats from the Maine Road era but affirmed that De Bruyne stands among the elite. “Because of his consistency in important games, not important games, being there every three days all the time. That is no doubt.”

Guardiola revealed that De Bruyne is in good physical condition after previous injury struggles, and that the decision to leave had now been finalised. “What is important is that he feels good right now. We spoke recently, lately, that he had problems but now he feels, finally, because after surgery in hamstring he had problems in other parts of the body, but now he feels ready.”

Irreplaceable Contribution

According to Guardiola, De Bruyne’s contribution transcends individual moments on the pitch. “His assists, goals, vision in the final third is so difficult to replace. Everyone can make an action, two actions, or an assist, but during how many years and games, that makes him unique.”

Calling attention to the Belgian’s enduring impact across multiple competitions and campaigns, the City boss remarked, “We won a lot, a lot of trophies, and he has been involved in every single one.”

Guardiola concluded by praising De Bruyne’s legacy both as a player and as part of the club’s identity. “I think we’ll remember him as part of this club, his statement, the club has said to him that the doors are open for the rest of his life. Whatever he wants to do here in another part, he’s part of the family of this club. The impact of some players transcend beyond what he has done on the pitch and Kevin is one of them.”

Premier League Titles Won With De Bruyne