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Pep Guardiola praised Kevin De Bruyne as one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders following the Belgian’s announcement that he’ll leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola has paid an emotional tribute to Kevin De Bruyne, calling the Manchester City captain "one of the greatest midfielders ever" as the Belgian prepares to leave the club at the end of the season.
De Bruyne, 33, has been a cornerstone of City’s golden era since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £55 million. Over nine years, he has won 14 major trophies—including six Premier League titles and the Champions League—and contributed an extraordinary 106 goals and 174 assists in 413 appearances.
"He is one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country and for this club, there is no doubt," Guardiola said on Friday. "We've won a lot of trophies and he's been involved in every single one."
While De Bruyne’s impact has lessened in recent seasons due to injuries—missing five months last season and starting only 21 of 47 matches this term—Guardiola emphasized the Belgian’s consistency and brilliance during his peak years.
"His assists, goals, vision in the final third—it’s so difficult to replace," Guardiola said. "Everyone can make assists. But how many years, how many games? That’s what makes him unique."
Guardiola also hinted that De Bruyne is likely to be immortalised with a statue at the Etihad, joining club legends like Vincent Kompany, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero. "I would bet a lot of money that it is going to happen," he added. "He deserves to be on that level."
De Bruyne’s future beyond this season remains unclear. With his contract expiring in June and the Club World Cup running from June 14 to July 13, it is uncertain whether he will finish his City career on that stage.
"He has to decide," Guardiola said. "It’s a new competition. I hope he can continue to play football in another place. The club has to talk to him, and he has to say what he wants to do."