Pep Guardiola has made a statement about De Bruyne’s decision: “Every story comes to an end, but this was the best chapter, we won everything. This place will always be our home.”
“Listen, he was here before all of us, he’s the oldest! He was here before I arrived, before John [Stones] or [Ilkay] Gundogan, and the other players. He’s the oldest!”
Were you surprised by the news of his departure?
“I knew…”
When did you find out?
“A few days ago… I didn’t wake up in the morning and say, “Is Kevin going to extend his contract or not?” It’s not about that.”
But did you discuss his future?
“Yes.”
Can you share?
“No. But it was nice, we always had a special relationship.
“Kevin is a special person, a special player. You need to treat a special person and a special player in a special way, and of course, we talked about it. A whole decade! Do you know how many games we’ve played together?! How many meetings, training sessions, good and bad moments, hugs, shouts.
“He was involved in all of it for a whole decade, except for weekends, international breaks, and holidays. Every day we were together! And to think that it’s all ending now… Come on!”
Will De Bruyne get a statue near the Etihad Stadium?
“Listen, I don’t know. But I’d bet a lot of money that it will happen! For sure! Although I don’t know… But of course, he deserves it,” said Manchester City manager Guardiola.