Pep Guardiola praises Kevin de Bruyne’s form as midfielder nears Man City exit

LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola summed up Kevin de Bruyne’s contribution to his team’s crucial 1-0 English Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on May 2 in the same way that he has so many times before – by saying thanks.

The Belgian playmaker scored the game’s lone goal in his penultimate game at Etihad Stadium to give third-placed City a crucial victory in their chase for Champions League qualification – and in the process, the outgoing captain sent a reminder of what the team will be missing once he is gone.

The 33-year-old announced in April that he would leave the team once his contract expires at the end of the season.

“Just thank you,” Guardiola told Sky Sports, when asked for his thoughts on de Bruyne.

“His contribution in the game against Crystal Palace when we were 2-0 down and he delivers (City won 5-2 in the end with de Bruyne scoring the team’s first goal) and today the goal again.

“I’m happy that it is finishing that way and we have one more game at the Etihad.”

De Bruyne had expressed surprise that he had not been offered a contract extension by City, saying that he still had plenty to give.

“A lot of teammates have said that it’s sad I have to go too, but that’s just how it goes sometimes in life and I think the way I’m performing and acting like a teammate... I give everything and I want to win the game,” he said.

“I think I showed that I can still play, otherwise I don’t do what I do these last four or five weeks.”

Guardiola looked uncomfortable when asked if there is any way de Bruyne’s stay could be extended – something which may not be in his power to do so even if he has an influence on board decisions.

“I want the best for Kevin and it cannot be possible to have done these many years without him. He has been an incredible player, but the situation is what it is,” the manager said.

“It’s almost impossible to replace this kind of player. It is not just the performance, it is what he means to the heart of our fans for many, many years. The success we have belongs to the players.”

De Bruyne has lifted 16 trophies since joining City from German side VfL Wolfsburg in 2015 – a haul that includes six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. He has also been named the Premier League Player of the Season twice.

Pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said the conversation, as de Bruyne’s final City season nears an end, should be about his contributions.

“We should not be getting bogged down in the contract situation,” he said on the Sky broadcast.

“It’s been decided, it’s over. Let’s salute him, let’s talk about how great he’s been and let’s talk about the statue. He’s going to get a statue, isn’t he? For me, he’s Man City’s greatest-ever player.” REUTERS