'He's one of the greatest' - Guardiola pays tribute to departing De Bruyne

Pep Guardiola paid an emotional tribute to Kevin De Bruyne after the Manchester City captain announced on Friday he would leave the club at the end of the season.

De Bruyne made the move to Manchester in 2015 from Wolfsburg and has gone on to become one of the most influential players in the Citizens' history.

The Belgian has won 16 trophies, which include five Premier League titles as well as City's first Champions League crown.

De Bruyne has made 413 appearances across all competitions in his City career so far, scoring 106 goals and registering a staggering 169 assists.

Indeed, since De Bruyne joined City, no player has assisted more goals (118) or created more chances (827) than him across the big five leagues in European football.

He has the second-most assists in Premier League history, a total only better than former Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs, who tops the list with 162.

Of the players to make 50+ appearances in the Premier League, De Bruyne has the best minutes-per-assist ratio in the competition's history (177).

De Bruyne's playing time in recent seasons has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to just 19 starts in all competitions this term and 31 appearances overall.

But Guardiola compared De Bruyne's impact to 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 had the pleasure personally to live this time with him," Guardiola said.

"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 is leaving.

"When Vincent or Sergio or David left, these players have contributions.

"He's one of the greatest in this country. I have to be careful for the respect for the players that have played incredible roles, but there's no doubt he's one of the greatest for sure.

"The doors are open here for the rest of his life. He's part of this family, this club."

5 - Most assists in Premier League history, including each player's minutes per assist ratio:162 - Ryan Giggs (287)118 - Kevin De Bruyne (177)111 - Cesc Fàbregas (238)103 - Wayne Rooney (369)102 - Frank Lampard (479)Creators. pic.twitter.com/v5yvW97cwI
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 4, 2025

City, who have won the past four Premier League titles, said they are planning a "fitting tribute" before the end of the season.

"Manchester City will bid an emotional farewell to Kevin de Bruyne this summer when his contract expires, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year period at the club," the club said.

"The Belgian, a global icon of the game, has played 413 matches for City.

"During that period, he has scored 106 times, making him the first City midfielder since Colin Bell to reach a century of goals.

"The club and all of our fans will now take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League."