Pep Guardiola identifies Kevin De Bruyne’s replacement as Man City boss’ eight-word message reveals truth behind the Belgian’s exit after 10 years of service

Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City cannot replace Kevin De Bruyne as the club advance plans to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

De Bruyne’s 10-year stay at the Etihad is ending this summer, becoming the final player whose arrival pre-dates Guardiola’s reign to depart.

City have zeroed in on Wirtz, the Germany international who has starred at Bayer Leverkusen, and will attempt to land the attacking midfielder over the coming months as Guardiola reshapes his squad in the hope of clawing back the Premier League crown.

‘The club has to move forward,’ the Spaniard said. ‘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 were to see this type of player, who gave us absolutely everything. You can only be grateful.

‘My period here will always have Kevin there in my memories. He cannot be forgotten.’

The Belgian maestro announced on Friday that he will leave the Etihad at the end of the season

City wish to land German midfielder Florian Wirtz this summer as De Bruyne’s replacement

Guardiola — who needs victory at Old Trafford on Sunday in his battle for Champions League qualification — claimed De Bruyne might have prolonged his career at the top level longer.

The City boss believes the all-action attitude the Belgian took contributed to the hamstring woes that he has never truly recovered from. 

‘He’s been injured the last year-and-a-half because he gave everything for the club,’ Guardiola added. ‘It happened because he’s given everything with his body and mind.

‘There are things that cannot be substituted. To say bye to this type of player is so difficult. I’d love Vincent (Kompany) to be here eternally, Sergio (Aguero), too, and now Kevin.

‘To say bye to these connections, these relations — for the manager, the mates, the fans — is not easy.’

Guardiola continued: ‘In England or in every country, there are players who are unique, that represent what the club want to be and Kevin is one of them. 

‘Now it’s a bit of a shock for the fans, but people remember how blessed, how happy they were for many, many years to have a player who gave absolutely everything.

‘Always Kevin will be there in my memory and he cannot be forgotten.

Wirtz has been one of the stars of the Bundesliga since breaking through at Bayer Leverkusen

The Spaniard also opened up further on the reasoning behind the 34-year-old’s departure

Guardiola explained City director of football Txiki Begiristain had a role to play in the decision

Meanwhile, Guardiola also opened up further on the reasoning behind De Bruyne’s exit – and revealed that it was a club decision – that included the input of director of football Txiki Begiristain and himself – to show the Belgian the door.

‘The decision has been made for the club, and the club is the club,’ the Spaniard explained. ‘Me, Txiki, and the club, so this is what it is.’ 

Revealing his decision in an emotional letter to fans on Friday, De Bruyne had said: ‘Dear Manchester, Seeing this you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.

‘Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here, and you deserve to hear it from me first.

‘Football led me to all of you – and to this city. Chasing 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 give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we won EVERYTHING.

‘Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele, and I are all grateful for what this place has meant to our family. “Manchester” will forever be on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts.

‘This will always be our HOME.

‘We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride.

‘Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. 

‘Let’s enjoy these last moments together!’

‘Much love, KDB.’