De Bruyne will be so difficult to replace, says Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says City will have great difficulty replacing Kevin De Bruyne when the Belgian leaves this summer.

De Bruyne announced on Friday that he will depart the Etihad Stadium after 10 seasons as one of the standout players in world football.

The 33-year-old has been integral to our golden period of sustained success, helping us to an astonishing 19 major honours so far.

De Bruyne announces he will leave City

He’s the latest of a wave of legends to end their time at City in recent seasons, with Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho amongst the icons to have left since 2017.

Even after losing those immensely talented proven winners, City have continued to evolve and pick up consistent silverware.

Asked in Friday’s press conference whether his side will be able to cope without De Bruyne, Guardiola said the playmaker will never be completely replaced but that the squad will have to find an answer.

“Replicating his numbers is so difficult but other qualities we have to find,” the boss began.

“We’ll see how the squad finishes the season, he’s the only player that finish contract this summer, the rest are still under contract.

“Club and myself haven't decided yet exactly what we have to do. Of course it's difficult. People say Erling came to replace Sergio.

“Sergio wasn't replaceable for many things, not about goals. It’s nice when you give emotions to fans.

“Sergio gave something that will be unique, Erling will be the same. Sergio scored the most important goal in club history.

“Saying bye to this type of player for the club is so difficult. I would love Vinny eternally here, Sergio, Kevin.

“Lots of connection and lots of things, especially in bad moments. For managers or team-mates, staff or fans or journalists it's not easy. Some players are unique and Kevin is one of them.

“Now it's a shock but people will remember how blessed and happy we were to see City have this player for many years. He gave us everything and we were grateful, the club gave a lot to him.”

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De Bruyne is most widely known as a prolific assist supplier for his team-mates, having won the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award a record three times.

He’s second in the division’s all-time assist rankings with 118 in total.

However, he’s also been a great goalscorer. Last April he became the first midfielder since Colin Bell to score 100 times for City.

Away from his prolific output, Guardiola was also keen to point out De Bruyne’s exceptional work ethic throughout his stay at the Etihad.

“The vision in the final third, not just final third but kilometres he runs and many things,” said Guardiola, reflecting on De Bruyne’s outstanding traits.

“At the end he's had a lot of injuries in the last year and a half, a lot of time out injured because he gave everything for the club.

“In modern football hamstring injuries happen quite often unfortunately. Happened here as well.

“We know the reason why, it happened because they have done everything. In his mind and body, he has done it.”