Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Kevin De Bruyne after the midfielder inspired a thrilling 5-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Belgian star, who confirmed last week that he would leave City at the end of the season, delivered a vintage performance—scoring a sublime free-kick and setting up Mateo Kovacic as City roared back from 2-0 down.
Guardiola couldn’t contain his admiration for the 33-year-old playmaker, calling him “incredible” and irreplaceable. “The gratitude I have for him is huge. With the ball, he was so clever. The goals, the assists—he helped us a lot to win the game,” Guardiola said during the post-match press conference.
Emotional Reflections from De Bruyne
De Bruyne, visibly emotional after the final whistle, admitted that he and his family are facing an uncertain future. While speculation has linked him with moves to Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League, the midfielder stated that no decision has yet been made.
“I’ve been here so long. My family has been here for 10 years. My kids were born in Manchester—it’s all they know,” De Bruyne said. “It’s going to be different. They are a bit scared because we don’t know what’s next, but I want to enjoy playing good football like I did today.”
An Iconic Premier League Career
Over the course of a decade at the Etihad, De Bruyne has built a legacy few can match. With 71 goals and 121 assists in the Premier League, he has become one of the league’s greatest midfielders. He famously tied Thierry Henry’s record for most assists in a single season (20) during the 2019–20 campaign.
De Bruyne’s creativity and vision have powered City to numerous trophies under Guardiola, including multiple Premier League titles. The stats only tell part of the story—his influence on the pitch and leadership in the dressing room have been just as vital.
James McAtee Shows Promise but Guardiola Urges Patience
While 21-year-old James McAtee made headlines with a goal against Palace, Guardiola urged fans and media not to draw early comparisons to De Bruyne. “No one can do what Kevin has done,” he said. “I don’t want to put one second of pressure on Macca. He’s got talent, but Kevin’s legacy is on another level.”
Guardiola acknowledged McAtee’s potential and praised his instinct in the final third, but cautioned that building a midfield titan like De Bruyne takes time and patience.
Playing Through Pain, Now Ready to Soar Again
In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, De Bruyne revealed that he had been playing through pain earlier this season due to a hernia issue. However, he is now feeling fully fit for the first time in months.
“It’s been a hard year. Having a hernia wasn’t fun, but now I’m pain-free. I’ve been training well and feel like I can contribute again,” said De Bruyne. “I don’t know where I’ll end up, but I still want to play. As long as my family is happy and I’m playing football, I’m good.”
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City Climb, Palace Falter
With the win, Manchester City climbed to fourth in the Premier League standings, keeping themselves in contention as the season heads into its final weeks. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, remain mid-table in 11th.
Both clubs are also set for action in the FA Cup semifinals, and De Bruyne’s form could be crucial if City hope to add more silverware before his departure.
Farewell on the Horizon
While City fans will still have a few more chances to see their beloved midfielder in action, the sense of farewell is palpable. The bond between De Bruyne and the club—built over a decade of dazzling passes, thunderous goals, and unforgettable moments—is one that few footballers ever achieve.
As Guardiola concluded, “Kevin has been a special player for us, a legend. What he gave this club cannot be measured. We will miss him terribly—but we will celebrate him while we still can.”
