Pep Guardiola reacts to Kevin De Bruyne announcement as Manchester City midfielder confirms summer departure | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has paid an emotional tribute to Kevin De Bruyne after the Manchester City midfielder confirmed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

De Bruyne penned a heartfelt message posted across his social media channels on Friday afternoon, with Guardiola later previewing the Manchester derby in a press conference.

City are fighting for a place in the Premier League top four and have eight games to ensure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The Blues secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium in midweek and De Bruyne – who was rested against the Foxes – could be recalled to the starting XI against Manchester United on Sunday.

De Bruyne is currently the only Manchester City player to have been at the club before Guardiola was appointed manager in the summer of 2016.

The 33-year-old has been the hallmark of the unparalleled success Manchester City have enjoyed under Guardiola, winning six out of the last seven Premier League titles to go with a host of domestic cups and the club’s maiden Champions League title.

After leading City to the finish line time and time again over the years, De Bruyne is past his prime and a switch to the United States seems destined for the playmaker when his current deal runs out at the end of June.

Reacting to De Bruyne’s announcement in a press conference, Guardiola said: “A sad day. And a happy day for the fact the pleasure personally we lived this time with him (De Bruyne), what he gave to all of us, his humanity.

“It’s not necessary to tell his success with us in the last decade – impossible to imagine without him. A sad day because a part of us is leaving. When Vincent (Kompany) left or Sergio (Aguero) left or David Silva left, their contribution.

“I can say more names, these three are examples. It’s a sad day. But still we have 10 games, and hopefully 11, six games at home that still we can enjoy with our fans and he will get – I’m pretty sure – the love and recognition that all of us, fans of course, that he deserves.”