Pep Guardiola believes that Kevin De Bruyne will be remembered as one of the greatest players of English football ever after the Belgian midfielder has announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
De Bruyne, 33, confirmed his decision on Friday in an emotional letter to the fans of the city, while he mentioned time during his ten years of stay in the Etihad.
He played a key role in the era of the city of the city under Guardiola and won six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Guardiola is adamant that nothing would have been possible without De Bruyne, and has admitted that he will be sad to see him move this summer.
Asked about his thoughts about De Bruyne's announcement, Guardiola said: 'A sad day. And a happy day for the fact that the pleasure we personally lived with him this time, what he gave us all, his humanity.
'It is not necessary to tell his success with us in the past decade – impossible to introduce without him. A sad day because some of us leave. '
De Bruyne has made 413 performances for City over the past decade, scored 106 goals and recording 174 assists.
He has time to add that count in the last weeks of the season, with the city still looking for more silverware for their FA Cup semi -final against Nottingham Forest later this month.
But whatever happens between now and summer, Guardiola is convinced that De Bruyne's legacy is already secure.
“One of the greatest midfielders who has ever played in this country, and I think there is no doubt with Man City,” Guardiola said in delivering his judgment about the status of De Bruyne in the game.
'Biggest or not the best, you always have to be careful with players who have played in Maine Road, incredible players in this club in the last 20/30 years.
'But come on, there is no doubt that he is certainly one of the greatest because of his consistency in important games, not important games that are there every three days. There is no doubt. '
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