Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has paid an emotional tribute to Kevin De Bruyne, calling him “one of the greatest Premier League players ever” as the Belgian maestro prepares to leave the club at the end of the season. The announcement has sent a wave of emotion through the City camp, marking the end of an era for a player who has been instrumental in shaping the club’s modern success.
De Bruyne, 33, confirmed on Friday that this will be his final season with Manchester City. After ten remarkable years at the Etihad, the midfield maestro is set to move on, leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to match.
“It’s a sad day,” Guardiola said during a press conference on Friday. “What he gives all of us — his humanity, his professionalism, his intelligence, and of course, his incredible football — is irreplaceable. I don’t have to tell you his influence on our success in the last decade. It would be impossible to imagine without him.”
A Decade of Brilliance
De Bruyne joined Manchester City in 2015 from German side Wolfsburg in a deal worth £55 million ($71 million). At the time, the transfer raised eyebrows among some critics who questioned the fee for a player who had struggled for game time during a previous stint at Chelsea. However, De Bruyne wasted no time proving his worth.
Over the next ten years, the Belgian international became the heartbeat of City’s midfield, orchestrating the team’s attacking play with unmatched vision, creativity, and intelligence. He quickly established himself as one of the finest playmakers of his generation, earning plaudits from teammates, opponents, and pundits alike.
A Trophy-Laden Career
De Bruyne’s list of achievements at Manchester City is staggering. During his decade-long stay at the Etihad Stadium, he helped the club to win an impressive 16 major trophies:
- 6 Premier League titles
- 5 EFL (Carabao) Cups
- 2 FA Cups
- 2 FA Community Shields
- 1 UEFA Champions League
Each of these triumphs bore the fingerprints of De Bruyne’s influence, with his ability to unlock defenses, deliver pinpoint crosses, and score crucial goals making him a vital part of City’s success.
His performances have consistently earned him individual accolades as well, including multiple PFA Player of the Year nominations, inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year, and being voted City’s Player of the Season on numerous occasions.
Guardiola’s Right Hand on the Pitch
For Guardiola, De Bruyne has been more than just a player. He has been an extension of the manager’s tactical vision on the pitch, a leader who guided his teammates through moments of high pressure with calm precision.
“Kevin is a manager’s dream,” Guardiola said. “He sees the game two steps ahead of everyone else. His understanding of space, timing, and movement is extraordinary. He always knew what the team needed at every moment.”
Guardiola also highlighted De Bruyne’s humility and dedication, noting that despite his superstar status, he always put the team first.
“He’s never been about individual glory. He wants the team to win, always. That’s what makes him not just a great player, but a great person.”
The Fans’ Favorite
De Bruyne’s connection with the Manchester City fans has also been special. Known for his reserved demeanor off the pitch and fierce competitiveness on it, he became a fan favorite for his loyalty, consistency, and passion. Supporters have watched him grow into one of the club’s all-time greats, a player who always led by example.
As news of his upcoming departure spread, tributes poured in from fans, former players, and football personalities around the world. Social media has been flooded with highlights of his most memorable moments — from stunning long-range goals to inch-perfect assists.
What’s Next?
While De Bruyne has yet to confirm his next destination, speculation is rife about where he may be headed. Some reports suggest he could make a move to Major League Soccer in the United States or perhaps explore a return to continental Europe. Regardless of his next chapter, one thing is certain — he leaves Manchester City as a club legend.
Guardiola refused to be drawn into speculation about De Bruyne’s next move, instead choosing to focus on the present and the time they have left together.
“We still have important matches ahead,” he said. “We will enjoy every minute we have left with him, and we’ll try to make the end of this journey as successful as the rest of it has been.”
A Legacy Carved in Blue
Kevin De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of one of the most influential careers in Manchester City’s history. He leaves as the club’s all-time leading assister and one of the Premier League’s top creators, redefining the role of a modern attacking midfielder.
His combination of work ethic, skill, and football intelligence has set a new standard for the role, and his impact on Manchester City — and English football as a whole — will be remembered for years to come.
As the curtain prepares to fall on De Bruyne’s time at the Etihad, Guardiola summed it up best: “Players like Kevin don’t come around very often. We were lucky to have him, and the Premier League was lucky to witness him.”
