Pep Guardiola brought an emotional tribute to Kevin De Bruyne after the captain of Manchester City had announced on Friday that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
De Bruyne has the switch to Manchester from Wolfsburg in 2015 and has become one of the most influential players in the history of the citizens.
The Belgian has won 16 trophies, including five Premier League titles and the first Champions League crown of City.
De Bruyne has made 413 performances so far in all competitions in his city career, scored 106 goals and registers no fewer than 169 assists.
Since De Bruyne came to City, no player has helped goals (118) or created more opportunities (827) than he did in the Big Five Leagues in European football.
He has the second most assists in the Premier League history, a totally only better than former midfielder of Manchester United Ryan Giggs, who is at the top of the list at 162.
Of the players to make 50+ performances in the Premier League, De Bruyne has the best minutes per assist relationship in the history of the competition (177).
De Bruyne's playing time in the past seasons is impeded by injuries, which limits it to only 19 starts in all competitions and 31 performances in general.
But Guardiola compared De Bruyne's impact with that of other title -winning former city players, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva.
“A sad day but a happy day for the fact that I personally had the pleasure to live with him this time,” said Guardiola.
“What He gave us, all of us, with his humanity and his influence in our success in the last decade. Of course, part of us leaves.
“When Vincent or Sergio or David left, these players contributed.
“He is one of the largest in this country. I have to be careful with the respect for the players who have played incredible roles, but there is no doubt that he is certainly one of the greatest.
“The doors are open here for the rest of his life. He is part of this family, this club.”
5 – Most assists in the Premier League history, including the minutes of each player per assist relationship:
162 – Ryan Giggs (287) 118 – Kevin De Bruyne (177) 111 – CESC Fàbregas (238) 103 – Wayne Rooney (369) 102 – Frank Lampard (479)
Makers. pic.twitter.com/v5yvw97cwi
– Optajoe (@Optajoe) April 4, 2025
City, who has won the last four Premier League titles, said that they are planning a “suitable tribute” before the end of the season.
“Manchester City will say goodbye to Kevin De Bruyne this summer when his contract ends, ending a shimmering period of 10 years in the club,” the club said.
“The Belgian, a worldwide icon of the game, played 413 games for City.
“During that period he scored 106 times, making him the first city smidfielder since Colin Bell to achieve a century goals.
“The club and all our fans will now take the time to say a suitable tribute and saying goodbye to one of the greatest players ever played in the Premier League.”
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