Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City cannot replace Kevin De Bruyne as the club advance plans to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
De Bruyne’s 10-year stay at the Etihad is ending this summer, becoming the final player whose arrival pre-dates Guardiola’s reign to depart.
Pep Guardiola highlighted that it will be ‘so difficult’ for Man City to replace Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian maestro announced on Friday that he will leave the Etihad at the end of the season
Guardiola — who needs victory at Old Trafford on Sunday in his battle for Champions League qualification — claimed De Bruyne might have prolonged his career at the top level longer.
The City boss believes the all-action attitude the Belgian took contributed to the hamstring woes that he has never truly recovered from.
Wirtz has been one of the stars of the Bundesliga since breaking through at Bayer Leverkusen
The Spaniard also opened up further on the reasoning behind the 34-year-old’s departure
‘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.’