Manchester City are set to build a statue in honour of Kevin De Bruyne outside the Etihad Stadium after the player announced the end of a 10-year playing career with the club.
Pep Guardiola admitted it was a sad day and spoke of his key player, saying: “De Bruyne is much bigger than just a footballer.” The 33-year-old has
revealed his contract expires in June and the club have not offered him an extension, leading him to prepare to leave the club in the summer.
He would join Vincent Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero as the other greats of City’s golden era to have a statue, along with Colin
Bell, Mike Summerby and Francis Lee..
Pep Guardiola mentioned in a press conference prior to City’s goalless draw against local rivals Manchester United on Sunday that the club decided against offering De Bruyne a new contract.
There were reports detailing the reservation amongst officials at the Etihad Stadium over De Bruyne’s faltering fitness in the last 18-24 months, แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ with City deciding against a potential renewal for the Belgian in the end.
De Bruyne was serenaded by the travelling Manchester City fans after the Blues played out a 0-0 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup and Guardiola is unsure whether he will play, while Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer have also shown interest in signing him.