De Bruyne is Manchester City’s greatest-ever player – Chairman | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne is the greatest player to pull on a Manchester City shirt.

That’s the view of Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who has hailed the Belgian’s impact over the course of a glittering ten-year spell that saw him win 19 major trophies.

De Bruyne will leave City this summer after a hugely successful period that means he is now widely regarded as an all-time Premier League great.

In total, De Bruyne played 422 times for City, scoring 108 goals and registering 170 assists.

In an on-pitch goodbye ceremony after his final home appearance last week, it was confirmed a statue honouring De Bruyne outside the Etihad Stadium had been commissioned by the Chairman.

And during a wide-ranging interview with Chris Bailey in Abu Dhabi, he waxed lyrical about a player he believes has left an indelible mark on the football club.

“Kevin has been just extraordinary,” Khaldoon said.

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“Obviously I have a subjective view. And my view is from the lens I see from the football I've lived over these years, obviously as chair, but also as a fan of this club. And Kev, what Kevin has given to this club. In my view, he is the greatest player to play for this club. I think his accomplishments speak for themselves.

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“His accomplishments for the Club in terms of trophies. In terms of that tally, number of Premier Leagues, the Champions League, FA Cups, Community Shields, Carabao Cups. I mean, it's an unbelievable tally, the highest of any player that's ever played for this club.

“His personal achievements, twice PFA Player of the Year. He's been a captain. He's been a leader. He's been a team-mate. He's been everything you'd hope from your most important player.

“His influence on everyone, from the academy to the communities of fans, not just of the club of Manchester City, but of football. All over the world, is unquestionable.

“So, Kevin, he really transcends this team and I'm so proud of what he's accomplished. It's one of the best decisions we ever took. The day we took the decision to invest in Kevin and bring him from Wolfsburg. I remember some people thought we overpaid.”

De Bruyne’s place in the pantheon of City greats is assured having been the latest figure in the Club’s recent history to commit to the Club long-term.

Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Vincent Kompany – also honoured with statues – all stayed ten or more years at City.

Outgoing Director of Football Txiki Begiristain is currently in his 13th year at the Club while Pep Guardiola is about to enter his tenth season as City manager.

The Chairman believes it’s a culture that runs through the football club that sees us retain top talent in all departments.

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“The environment is key,” he said.

“The environment is the people. The environment is the culture. And I think what we have at the club today, is a great culture. And that's what brings the magic and that's what brings all the trophies you see in that picture.

“Kevin, yes, was an incredible player, but he had an incredible team around him, incredible coaching staff with him, an incredible organisation supporting him.

“And I have to say, the best fans in the world, an incredible fan base that has been just amazing. All that together is what makes this club so special.”