Revealed: Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola’s behind-the-scenes speech to Man City dressing room amid Napoli exit | OneFootball

Manchester City have revealed the final speeches handed out by Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola last season amid the Belgian’s then-anticipated exit to Napoli.

De Bruyne has officially joined the recently-crowned Serie A champions on a two-year deal this week, putting an end to a successful 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium wherein he won six Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy.

The Belgian, who will turn 34 at the end of the month, was told in April by Manchester City bosses that he was not part of Pep Guardiola’s plans beyond the expiration of his contract, which would have run till June 30.

Taking matters into his own hands, De Bruyne put an end to speculation around his future in April when he took to social media and confirmed that this would be his final season in Manchester. The midfielder led City to a third-place Premier League finish and ensured the Blues will be playing UEFA Champions League football next season.

With De Bruyne completing a medical and finalising a transfer to Napoli this week, Manchester City have released video footage giving an peak through the curtain into the playmaker’s final week in a sky blue jersey.

Addressing the Manchester City players in the moments before De Bruyne’s final home game at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola was keen to pause for a moment to thank the 33-year-old for his remarkable efforts for the club over the last decade.

“Let me say something guys, before we go out. Kevin, thank you SO much! It would not be possible what we have done together and for many of your mates, without you,” said Guardiola.

“I know guys, we are going to do everything to make it a special day, to achieve what we have to do, to be close, to where we belong. Allez!”

Speaking in his final team meeting before Manchester City’s trip to face Fulham on the last game of the season, Kevin De Bruyne was also requested to give his own speech to the club’s first-team set-up.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to say any more; I just want to say thank you guys for the 10 years. I think you took care of me unbelievably,” said De Bruyne. He continued, “I came here as a little boy, now as a big boy.

“I appreciate everything because you’ve done so much for me, for my family. So thank you very much, I wish you guys all the best in the Club World Cup, in the future.

“I will always be a supporter of you guys, I’ve made many, many friends for life, and thank you guys!”