Guardiola Expresses Sadness as De Bruyne Reveals Decision to Leave: ‘The Door Remains Open for His Future’

In his latest press conference ahead of this weekend’s showdown against Manchester United, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts on Kevin De Bruyne’s announcement to leave the club in the summer.

This weekend’s fixture sees City make the short journey to Old Trafford, where Guardiola’s team aims to secure a victory over United for the first time since March 2024. The 196th Manchester derby is set to be a captivating encounter, with the two rivals 14 points apart in the league. Guardiola addressed De Bruyne’s impending departure, which was revealed earlier today.

“It’s a bittersweet day. While I’m saddened by his decision, I’m also grateful for the joy he’s brought to my time here. His humanity and, of course, his significant impact on our success over the past decade cannot be overstated.”

“It’s hard to envision our achievements without him. It’s a sad occasion because another piece of our history is departing. It reminds me of when Vincent (Kompany), Sergio (Aguero), and David Silva left, among others. It’s certainly a sorrowful moment.”

“However, we still have 10 matches ahead of us, possibly 11, with six of those at home, where we can savour these moments with our fans. I’m confident he will receive the love and recognition he so rightly deserves.”

“His assists, goals, and vision in the final third are irreplaceable. His unique contributions over the years and games make him one of a kind. This sport is a business, and key players need to deliver while managers must also meet expectations.”

Guardiola continued: “Anyone can evaluate their performance, and over the past decade, he has been exceptional. We have accumulated numerous trophies, and he has played a part in every single triumph. I believe he will always be remembered as an integral part of this club.”

“The club has made it clear that the doors will always be open for him. Whatever path he chooses, he is a part of the family here. The influence of certain players goes beyond their on-field contributions, and Kevin certainly falls into that category.”

He concluded by expressing his belief that he “would wager a significant sum” that De Bruyne will eventually receive a statue at the club, acknowledging that the Belgian international’s departure will undoubtedly be “emotionally challenging.”