Kevin De Bruyne has announced he will not sign a new contract at Manchester City, ending his ten year association with the club this summer.
Sport Simon Bajkowski Chief Manchester City writer and Joe Bray Manchester City writer 13:02, 04 Apr 2025
Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Kevin De Bruyne, who announced he is leaving Manchester City at the end of the season.
De Bruyne made the shock announcement on Friday shortly before Guardiola faced the media ahead of City's derby with Manchester United on Sunday. He is out of contract at the end of the season - midway through the Club World Cup.
His form and fitness have faded in recent months, but he has still shown glimpses of his immense quality at times this season. He had told City he wanted to postpone contract talks until he was back to his best, while Guardiola had told him to make the decision for himself without pressure from the club.
However, City's dropping from the title race has left them looking at a summer overhaul and De Bruyne's departure will be one of the biggest exits of that rebuild.
Reacting to the news, Guardiola said: "A sad day. A happy day for the fact that the pleasure personally that I lived this time with him. What he gave all of us, his humanity and of course I don't have to say his influence on our success in the last decade.
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"It would be impossible to imagine that without him. A sad day because a part of us is leaving. When Vincent (Kompany) left or Sergio (Aguero) left or David Silva left, and I would say more names, it is a sad day.
"But still we have 10 games and hopefully 11, and six games at home that we can still enjoy with our fans and I'm pretty sure he will get the love and the recognition from all of us that he deserves.
"His assists, his goals, His vision in the final third is so difficult to replace. Over how many years and games, that makes him unique. This is a business and important players have to perform well and managers have to perform well.
"Any person can discuss their performance and in this last decade he has been outstanding. We won a lot of trophies and he has been involved in every single one. I think we will remember him. He's part of this club.
"The club said to him the doors are open for the rest of his life. Whatever he wants to do, he's part of the family of this club. The impact of some players transcends even what they do on the pitch and Kevin is one of them."
De Bruyne announced his departure on social media, writing: "Dear Manchester. Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading.
"So I'll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player. Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.
"That day is here— and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you—and to this city.
"Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people... gave me EVERYTHING.
"I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what — we won EVERYTHING.
"Whether we like it or not, it's time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family.
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"'Manchester' will forever be on our kids' passports— and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.
"We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.
"Let's enjoy these last moments together! Much love, Kdb."
