Yesterday day saw Kevin De Bruyne announce that this season would be his last at Manchester City. With that announcement, the storied City career of De Bruyne has an end date. When this season ends it will also see the end of one of Manchester City’s most iconic duos. That is Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola. Their work together has been spectacular and littered with trophies. It is also tinged with sadness knowing that their alliance is set to end in a few months.
Pep Guardiola was asked about Kevin De Bruyne’s announcement during his pre-game press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United. He said it was a sad day to hear De Bruyne announce his decision to leave Manchester City. But Guardiola was also looking forward to De Bruyne being shown the love and respect he has earned from the Manchester City fans. Speaking on De Bruyne’s announcement Guardiola told the media: “Sad day. It’s a happy day for the fact of the pleasure that I live this time that I have with him.”
“He gave all of us his humanity and, of course, his influence in all our success. The last decade would not be possible to imagine without him.“
“It’s a sad day that one of us is leaving. Vincent [Kompany] left, Sergio [Aguero] left, David Silva left. I could say more names. It’s a sad time and a sad day.“
“Still, we have six games at home, and he can enjoy with our fans.“
“I’m sure he will get the love and recognition from all of us and fans of course that deserves.“
One of Manchester City’s most iconic duos is set to part ways and they’ve scaled football’s mountain together.
Together Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne have scaled every mountain there is to conquer in football. They’ve helped Manchester City establish an era of dominance across English and European football that may never be seen again. At times, it has felt that De Bruyne has been an extension of Guardiola on the pitch as he’s helped his team carry out his manager’s instructions. De Bruyne has added his magic to Pep Guardiola’s template and has shown that he is a once-in-a-generation midfielder. The Belgian international was already established as a player when Pep Guardiola took over as Manchester City manager for the 2016/17 season. But from that point on De Bruyne has become an even better player under Guardiola. That’s some statement to make but the facts speak for themselves.
We did it, Kev 🥹#UCLpic.twitter.com/9am7QgyvnM
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 4, 2025
At the end of this season, one of Manchester City’s most iconic duos will part ways. When De Bruyne’s contract expires only Pep Guardiola will remain of the two. Yes, there have been a host of other champions at Manchester City during Pep Guardiola’s tenure as City manager. But for so long he and De Bruyne have always been linked as player and manager. That will sadly come to an end this summer. ...
