In a heartfelt tribute, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has hailed his departing teammate Kevin De Bruyne as the greatest player in the club’s storied history. The German veteran, who has shared the pitch with De Bruyne for several seasons, expressed deep admiration for the Belgian maestro, whose exit from the Etihad Stadium was confirmed earlier this month.
Gundogan, speaking to ESPN, described De Bruyne as “irreplaceable,” emphasizing the profound impact the 33-year-old has had during his decade-long tenure at Manchester City. “What Kev has done for the club is unbelievable. For me personally, in the history of Man City, there’s no better player than Kevin De Bruyne,” Gundogan said. “It was a pleasure for me to share the pitch with him for such a long time and to see him perform at such a level.”
De Bruyne, who joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015, has been a cornerstone of the club’s golden era, amassing 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 UEFA Champions League. His vision, pinpoint passing, and ability to dictate games have earned him widespread acclaim, with many considering him one of the Premier League’s finest ever midfielders. Despite battling injuries in recent seasons, De Bruyne has continued to deliver, notably inspiring a 5-2 comeback victory against Crystal Palace earlier this month with a goal and an assist.
Gundogan, who returned to City last summer after a year at Barcelona, highlighted the unique connection he shared with De Bruyne both on and off the field. “I had this connection with him outside of football; it was a privilege to know him and his family,” he added, reflecting on their time as teammates. The German also acknowledged the challenge of replacing De Bruyne, noting, “We know no one will just come and be a replacement. Of course, it’ll be covered somehow. The club always does that.”
De Bruyne’s departure comes as Manchester City undergoes a squad rebuild, with the club opting not to renew his contract, a decision that surprised the Belgian star. Reports indicate interest from Major League Soccer clubs, including Inter Miami, as well as potential moves to Saudi Arabia or other European sides. De Bruyne himself has not ruled out staying in the Premier League, leaving fans eager to see where his next chapter unfolds.