Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne’s impact at Manchester City “transcends” what he has done on the pitch after the midfielder announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The Belgian has won 16 trophies with City and scored 106 goals in 413 games over a ten-year span.
His full statement reads: “Dear Manchester, seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player. Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.
“That day is here— and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you—and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING.
“I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what — we won EVERYTHING. Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. “Manchester” will forever be on our kids’ passports— and more importantly, in each of our hearts.
“This will always be our HOME. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together!”
The club have released their own statement, saying: “Manchester City will bid an emotional farewell to Kevin de Bruyne this summer when his contract expires, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year period at the club.
“The Belgian, a global icon of the game, has played 413 matches for City. During that period, he has scored 106 times, making him the first City midfielder since Colin Bell to reach a century of goals.
“The club and all of our fans will now take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League.”
And ahead of City’s game against rivals Manchester United on Sunday, Guardiola paid tribute to the 33-year-old, saying he “will bet a lot of money” that the club will decide to build De Bruyne a statue.
“A sad day but a happy day for the pleasure we have lived with him,” Guardiola said.
“It’s impossible to describe the impact he has had on our success in the last decade.
“He’s part of the family of this club. The impact some players have transcends what they do on the pitch and Kevin is one of them.”
On whether he thinks De Bruyne will keep playing at the top level after he leaves City, Guardiola responded: “I wish from the deep of my heart. If you still have the hunger and desire to play, play. Because when it’s over, it’s over. We are going to enjoy the last two months here together but emotionally it’s tough.”
