Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City cannot replace Kevin de Bruyne while the advance club planned to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 10 -year stay from de Bruyne to Etihad ends this summer, becoming the last player whose arrival is the reign of Guardiola from.
City focused on Wirtz, the German international who played Bayer Leverkusen, and will try to land the attacking midfielder in the coming months while Guardiola reshapes his team in the hope of recovering the crown of the Premier League.
“The club must move forward,” said the Spaniard. “There are players who are unique, who represent what the club wants to be, and Kevin is one of them.
“Now it’s a shock, but people will remember how blessed they have been to see this type of player, who has absolutely given us everything. You can only be grateful.
“My rules here will always have Kevin in my memories. It cannot be forgotten.
Pep Guardiola stressed that he will be “so difficult” for Man City to replace Kevin de Bruyne
The Belgian maestro announced on Friday that it would leave Etihad at the end of the season
The city wishes to land the German midfielder Florian Wirtz this summer under the replacement name of Bruyne
Guardiola – Who needs victory to Old Trafford on Sunday in his battle for the qualification in the Champions League – said that De Bruyne could have extended his career at the highest level.
The city boss believes that the all-action attitude that Belgian has taken contributed to the misfortunes of the hamstrings from which he has never really recovered.
“He was injured last and a half last year because he gave everything for the club,” added Guardiola. “It happened because he gave everything with his body and his mind.
“There are things that cannot be substituted. To say goodbye to this type of player is so difficult. I would love that Vincent (Kompany) is here eternally, Sergio (Aguero) too, and now Kevin.
“To say goodbye to these connections, these relationships – for the manager, the comrades, the fans – is not easy.”
Guardiola continued: “In England or in all countries, there are unique players, who represent what the club wants to be and Kevin is one of them.
“ Now, it’s a bit of a shock for fans, but people remember how blessed they were, how happy they were for many years to have a player who gave everything.
“Always Kevin will be there in my memory and he cannot be forgotten.
Wirtz was one of the stars of the Bundesliga since his entry to Bayer Leverkusen
The Spaniard has also opened further on the reasoning behind the departure of 34 years
Guardiola explained that the director of the city of football Txiki Begiristain had a role to play in the decision
Meanwhile, Guardiola also opened further on the reasoning behind the exit from Bruyne – and revealed that it was a club decision – which included the contribution of the director of football Txiki Begiristain and himself – to show the Belgian door.
“The decision was made for the club and the club is the club,” said the Spaniard. “Me, Txiki and the club, that’s what it is.”
Friday, revealing his decision in an emotional letter to the fans, from Bruyne had declared: “Dear Manchester, seeing this, you probably realize where it goes. So I’m going to get there directly and let you know that it will be my last months as a Manchester City player.
“Nothing about this is easy to write, but as a football players, we all know that this day ends up coming. This day is there, and you deserve to hear it first.
“Football led me to all of you – and to this city. Hunting this dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people … gave me everything. I had no choice but to return everything! And guess what – we have won everything.
“Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele and I are all grateful to what this place has mean for our family. “Manchester” will forever be on the passports of our children – and more importantly, in each of our hearts.
“It will always be our house.
“We cannot thank the city, the club, the staff, the teammates, the friends and the family enough for this 10 -year journey.
“Each story ends, but it was certainly the best chapter.
“Let’s take advantage of these last moments together!”
“Lots of love, KDB.