Pep Guardiola has admitted it is a 'sad day' for Manchester City that Kevin De Bruyne has announced his departure from the club following a sensational 10-year stint.
The Belgium international has established himself as a Premier League and Etihad icon ever since arriving from German side Wolfsburg back in 2015.
De Bruyne has inspired City to six league titles, while also claiming two FA Cups and the Champions League during his time in Manchester.
Earlier on Friday, the 33-year-old took to social media to confirm that he'd be leaving at the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola has admitted it is a 'sad day' for Manchester City that Kevin De Bruyne has announced his departure from the club following a sensational 10-year stint
GETTY
And Guardiola has now reacted, with the Spaniard confessing it is a 'sad day' for the reigning Premier League champions that one of their greatest servants will now be on the move.
"Sad day. A happy day for the fact that the pleasure I personally lived with him," he said at a press conference ahead of Sunday's derby with Manchester United.
"He gave all of us with his humility and his influence in our success in the last decade. That would have been impossible to imagine without him.
"When Vincent (Kompnay) left or Sergio (Aguero) left or David Silva, it's a sad day.
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"We still have 10 games - hopefully 11 - that we can enjoy with our fans and he will get the love and recognition that he deserves.
"I think I read today that he's been involved in 280 goals and assists in the Premier League.
"You always have to be careful for respect for players in the last 20, 30 years but, come on, there's no doubt he's one of the greatest for sure.
"His consistency, except for the last year when he had injury problems, in important games and being there all the time."
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Dear Manchester. 💙 pic.twitter.com/2EdhVYOLti
— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) April 4, 2025
When asked if it is the right time for De Bruyne to depart, given his struggles this term, Guardiola added: "The most important thing is that he feels good right now. We spoke lately that he had problems.
"He had problems after surgery on his hamstring in other parts of the body.
"Step by step he feels ready. The decision has been made and we wish him the best.
"His assists, his goals. His vision in the final third is so difficult to replace.
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City will, come the summer, play in the Club World Cup.
Guardiola, when asked if De Bruyne will stay with the team for that tournament, sounded coy.
"It's a good question, I don't know. He has to decide," he continued.
"The Club World Cup is new with contracts. Hopefully he can continue playing football in another place -it depends on the risk for the contracts and the future.
Pep Guardiola has wished Kevin De Bruyne well for the future after the veteran announced his departure from Man City
PA
"I don't know. The club has to talk to him or he has to say what he wants to do.
"The first three games are under contract until June 30, but after that, if we go through, I don't know."
