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Saying farewell to the most influential midfielder through one’s reign at the helm will rank among Guardiola’s most painful goodbyes.
Pep Guardiola with Kevin De Bruyne (AFP)
Goodbyes are never easy. Pep Guardiola learnt about it the hard way, as the Manchester City boss admitted that losing Kevin De Bruyne is one of the most difficult farewells he has had to endure in his career.
The midfield maestro De Bruyne himself recently confirmed that he’d be leaving the Etihad Stadium at the end of his current deal, after Guardiola decided not to offer him a new deal.
The 33-year-old this week revealed his disappointment at not being given an extension to his 10-year spell with City.
“This is how life is. They made a decision [not to renew me] and I am okay with it. Now, it’s clear what’s been decided and it’s my job to play the best I can,” De Bruyne stated in a post-match interview recently.
Having been hampered by a series of debilitating injuries over the last two years, De Bruyne’s role in City has diminished over time.
Regardless, saying farewell to the most influential midfielder through one’s reign at the helm will rank among Guardiola’s most painful goodbyes.
“I have lived a lot of things with them, a lot, good moments and terrible, bad moments,” he said.
“Sergio, David Silva, all the players – we can make a long, long list and we are only nine years here.
“There are a lot of players that come in and after they leave, they are part of my life. It’s impossible not to feel it. Of course, it’s so difficult.
“The feelings that he (Kevin) has, I understand completely. It cannot be otherwise. I wish personally for him and his family all the best.”
The 33-year-old midfield maestro was at the epicentre of the Pep Guardiola-led revolution of City, aiding the Cityzens to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five EFL Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League crown in the 2022-23 season.
The Belgium international has scored 107 goals in 417 appearances for City so far, who are currently amid a heated battle to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming season: a battle that De Bruyne aims to win for his beloved City as a parting gift, along with the FA Cup.
“That would be good, of course it would be. He’s behaved unbelievably all these years and, this month, again, since he announced that he’s in the last months here in Manchester City. It will happen until the end,” Guardiola said.
“He’s trained really good. He’s playing and helping us with his skills and his talents. I know he wants the best for the club.”
(with agency inputs)
