Pep Guardiola said outpouring for Kevin de Bruyne showed ‘how much love was there’

Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne with manager Pep Guardiola as he is substituted after playing his last match at the Etihad Stadium. PHOTO: REUTERS

UPDATED May 21, 2025, 10:08 AM

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LONDON – Tears streamed down Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s face during an emotional farewell to his captain Kevin de Bruyne, who closed the curtains on an illustrious 10-year career at the Etihad Stadium on May 20.

City had just beaten Bournemouth 3-1 in a crucial penultimate Premier League game that saw them climb to third in the table, but the night was all about de Bruyne, whose game was his last at the Etihad in a sky-blue City shirt.

A post-game video tribute featured former City teammates, including Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Fernandinho, Vincent Kompany, Joe Hart and Leroy Sane.

“Congratulations for your career, it was an honour to play with you, I wish you all the best my friend, of course you are a legend at Manchester City. And me too. See you bro,” Aguero said.

“Everyone was there, it was so, so nice,” Guardiola said. “Ten years is a lot of games, a lot of titles, a lot of moments. Today summarised a little bit how much love was there.”

De Bruyne announced in April that he would leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, but also said he was surprised they did not offer him a new deal.

“It’s a sad day. He will be missed,” Guardiola added. “On the other side, I think it was a lovely day for him to make again a contribution to achieve that victory that is of massive importance.”

The Belgian, who won 16 trophies in his 10 seasons at City, also matched a Premier League record for chances created, topping the standings alongside former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas on 846, according to Opta Sports.

Asked if he is irreplaceable, Guardiola said: “There are players who are irreplaceable, of course, so difficult to do.

“It’s not about how much they provide in goals or assists or incredible steals. (It’s) the connection, the way you play, and year by year, provide for this club that the people love.”

The club announced after the game that they would erect a statue of de Bruyne outside the Etihad.

“It means I will always be part of this club,” the 33-year-old told the stadium full of supporters who stayed to watch the post-game tributes. “I’ll always represent a small piece of that.

“I think after 10 years it was about time somebody let me talk a bit and it’s time to say goodbye. I will be back but we love you and see you soon.”

De Bruyne also said that he was proud of his part in making City the dominant force of English football over the past decade.

“It’s been an unbelievable ride, an absolute pleasure,” he told Sky Sports afterwards.

“I want to bring joy to people, play offensive football, be creative, that is what I am on the pitch and I want to have fun. I think we had a lot of fun over the 10 years.

“You win, you lose sometimes. It was a joy working really hard and creating something for this club which brought the club much better than it was before. I’m super proud.”

Goals from Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez clinched the crucial victory heading into the final round of matches on May 25.

Mateo Kovacic’s red card 20 minutes from time could have given Bournemouth hope, but Lewis Cook was also sent off just minutes later. Daniel Jebbison then scored for the Cherries in stoppage time.

There was further cause for celebration for City late on when Ballon d’Or winner Rodri made his first appearance since September as a substitute after suffering a serious knee injury.

City’s victory means a point when they travel to Fulham on the final day will be enough to secure a top-five finish thanks to their much superior goal difference to that of sixth-placed Aston Villa. REUTERS, AFP

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