‘The club has to move on’ – Pep Guardiola reveals he chose to axe Kevin De Bruyne with Man City star prepared to stay
PEP GUARDIOLA confirmed it was his decision to call time on Kevin De Bruyne’s Manchester City career.
The Belgian announced on Friday he would leave the Etihad this summer after ten glittering years.
KDB, 33, was open-minded about extending his City stay — and may even have accepted a bit-part playing role as his family are settled in the area.
Yet Guardiola had been concerned over his dip in form following injuries.
Ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, boss Pep said: “Myself and the club had to take a decision. It is not easy as he has been extraordinary.
“Me, Txiki Begiristain and the club made the decision — and it is what it is.”
De Bruyne will be 34 this summer but is now clear of injury issues that dogged him in the last few seasons.
Even so, offering anywhere close to the £375,000-a-week wages the attacking midfielder currently earns would have represented a big gamble by City.
Guardiola added: “The club has to move forward, move on. To replicate his numbers is so difficult. To say bye to these players is so difficult
“You can only be grateful. The club gave everything to him — and he gave everything to us.
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“I’m incredibly grateful and sad that it will be over in two months.
“He’s the only player who has finished his contract. The rest are under contract but still there are many things the club and myself haven’t decided on.”
There will be question marks over several stars as Guardiola plans a summer shake-up.
John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have all had injury-hit campaigns while skipper Kyle Walker left on loan in January.
Bernardo Silva and keeper Ederson’s form has also dipped — meaning City are now scrambling to claim a Champions League place.
They spent over £170million in January but are set to splash out more this summer.
And finding a replacement for De Bruyne is a priority, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, 21, their top target.