Pep Guardiola has delivered an emotional tribute to Kevin De Bruyne as the Belgian midfielder prepares to end his illustrious Manchester City career, describing the playmaker's departure as both "a sad day" and a celebration of an extraordinary legacy.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The Manchester City manager's tribute captured the mixed emotions surrounding De Bruyne's impending departure, acknowledging the profound impact the midfielder has had on both the club and the Premier League.
"A part of us is leaving," Guardiola stated poignantly, reflecting the deep connection between the player and the club.
Legacy of Excellence
Under Guardiola's guidance, De Bruyne has established himself as one of the Premier League's most influential players, amassing an impressive collection of achievements:
- 118 Premier League assists, second only to Ryan Giggs
- Six Premier League titles
- A UEFA Champions League triumph
- 106 goals in 413 appearances
Open Door Policy
In a touching gesture, Guardiola revealed that Manchester City's doors would "remain open for life" for De Bruyne, emphasizing his permanent place in the club's history.
"Whatever he wants to do, he's part of the family of this club," Guardiola affirmed.
Unmatched Influence
Guardiola has consistently praised De Bruyne's unique abilities throughout their time together, highlighting the midfielder's exceptional vision and tactical intelligence.
"He's able to see something special and you have the spaces no one else can see," Guardiola once remarked, underlining De Bruyne's distinctive qualities.
Historical Impact
The manager's assessment of De Bruyne's place in football history has been unequivocal:
"He will be remembered forever, one of the greatest, greatest, greatest players of all time of this club".
This sentiment reflects not just De Bruyne's statistical achievements but his transformative impact on Manchester City's style of play and success.
As De Bruyne prepares for his next chapter, Guardiola's tributes serve as a reminder of the extraordinary partnership between manager and player that has helped define an era of Premier League football. The Belgian's departure marks the end of a remarkable period in Manchester City's history, but his influence will continue to resonate through the club's future generations.