The gratitude I have for De Bruyne is huge - Pep | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola spoke of his huge gratitude for Kevin De Bruyne after our iconic captain inspired City to a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace.

De Bruyne will be leaving the Blues at the end of the season and he will depart as a true legend of both Manchester City and the Premier League after collecting 19 trophies to date in a never-to-be-forgotten 10-year spell at the Etihad.

In his first home game since the news was announced, KDB ran the show, scoring the goal that was a comeback catalyst for three valuable points.

Guardiola hailed his polished playmaker in his post-match press conference.

CITY 5-2 CRYSTAL PALACE | MATCH REPORT

“The performance was what Kevin has done for many, many years and many, many games,” said the boss.

“Unfortunately lately he could not operate at that level because of the problem that he had, he was injured for one-long year because of surgery and so on.

“He played fantastic and helped us to break this momentum that was not good.

“I said a few press conferences before, be grateful. The gratitude I have, we have, is huge.

“He has done incredibly and I know that he can deliver, will deliver and he’s happy because he is helping us.

“He fought a lot against Utd. He was brilliant with the ball and today he was so clever.

“The goal and assist, and he helped us a lot to win the game.”

Not only did KDB score one and assist one, he was inspirational throughout.

He drove the team forward as he looks to help guarantee Champions League football for City next season as a departing gift for the Club he loves.

Guardiola explained post-match that De Bruyne leads by example on the pitch rather than with tub-thumping speeches.

“Kevin is not a vocal leader. He is a leader in that every day for nine years, except the last year and a half, being there helping the team,” he added.

“And his talent is unique, everyone knows it – he has the vision and the pass.

“When players are up front and Kevin has the ball, and he feels like this, they know they can run because the ball can be delivered.

“The problem is when you make a run and the player doesn’t have this talent.

“Kevin is the player in the history of the club with the most titles and that defines what Kevin has done with us.”