Pep Guardiola makes shocking statement about De Bruyne, signaling possibility of departure

(Dan Tri) - Pep Guardiola has signaled the possibility of De Bruyne leaving Man City after the end of this season.

De Bruyne was not selected by coach Pep Guardiola to start against Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League play-off round on the night of February 20. Even when Man City desperately needed a goal, the Spanish coach did not put the Belgian midfielder on the field.

Pep Guardiola did not use De Bruyne for a single minute in the recent match against Real Madrid (Photo: Getty).

When asked about dropping De Bruyne, coach Pep Guardiola affirmed: "It's my decision. Of course, De Bruyne can play in big matches. He also played against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.

My relationship with De Bruyne has always been very special. I am very grateful for what he has done for me, the club and the fans. It was just a decision. Normally, I don't talk to the players, including Kevin, about why they are not playing. They don't ask me why I am not playing.

It was my decision based on what I saw, for various reasons. Not personal."

De Bruyne shows signs of reaching the other side of his career (Photo: Getty).

According to the British press, coach Pep Guardiola's statement shows that De Bruyne is no longer a "must-have" choice at Man City. The Belgian midfielder's contract with Man City expires in June 2025, in the context that this player has turned 34 years old.

It is likely that Man City will not renew De Bruyne's contract to start a new blood transfusion. According to the British press, Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz is being targeted to replace De Bruyne at Etihad.

Coach Pep Guardiola added about De Bruyne's future: "It's not my job to extend his contract. De Bruyne has been injured for the past 1.5 years like many other players, but he is stable and fit. He is still an important player for Man City. Now, we will wait and see how he performs until the end of the season."

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/pep-guardiola-tuyen-bo-soc-ve-de-bruyne-bao-hieu-kha-nang-ra-di-20250222133959713.htm