Pep Guardiola in tears at Kevin De Bruyne’s emotional reaction to being given Man City statue

Kevin De Bruyne played his final game at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, closing the curtain on a glittering 10-year Manchester City career that has redefined the club’s modern era. In an emotional farewell, the Belgian maestro bid goodbye to the City faithful, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter not just for him, but for the club and its supporters.

As the full-time whistle echoed around the Etihad following City’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, the mood quickly shifted from triumph to tribute. Fans remained in their seats, soaking in every second of what was a beautifully crafted goodbye. De Bruyne, who played 70 minutes in the match, was subbed off to a rapturous ovation. The moment, though celebratory, was steeped in emotion—one that brought even Pep Guardiola to tears.

The highlight of the night came when it was officially announced that Kevin De Bruyne would be immortalized in Manchester with a statue. A gesture reserved for the most legendary figures in the club’s history, this honour sent a wave of emotion through the stadium. Guardiola, often stoic, couldn’t hold back his tears as he watched his midfield general soak in the affection of a fanbase that had adopted him as one of their own.

De Bruyne, accompanied by his wife and three children, took to the pitch after the final whistle. The family walked slowly, waving to the sea of sky-blue shirts, with De Bruyne visibly moved by the ovation. A montage celebrating his ten years at the club played on the big screen, featuring heartfelt messages from teammates, coaches, and City legends. The emotional tribute left few dry eyes, especially Guardiola, who was seen wiping away tears as the memories flashed before him.

Taking the microphone, De Bruyne began his farewell speech. “Manchester is home,” he said with conviction. “It’s where my kids were born. I came here with my wife thinking it would be a short stay—certainly not ten years. We never imagined we would achieve everything we have. We won it all, and we did it together.”

Reflecting on his time at the club, he added: “I wanted to play with creativity, with passion. I wanted to enjoy football—and I hope everybody enjoyed it with me. The fans, the staff, my teammates… they all made me better. It’s been the honour of a lifetime to play with these guys. I’ve made friends for life here, and I’ll definitely be back.”

De Bruyne, now 33, was one of the final pieces in City’s transformation into a global powerhouse. Joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, his vision, technical brilliance, and consistency quickly turned him into the heartbeat of Guardiola’s tactical machine. Over the years, he played a pivotal role in winning five Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups, and culminating in the club’s first Champions League triumph.

“When you win,” De Bruyne continued, “you just want to win more. That hunger never leaves. We’ve had six title parades in ten years—each one unforgettable. The memories we created together are ones I’ll carry forever.”

But perhaps the most moving moment of the night came when he addressed the crowd directly. “To the fans—thank you. From day one, you welcomed me with open arms. Tonight, to see 50,000 people here just to say goodbye… it’s indescribable. My family and I will never forget it.”

When asked later about his statue, De Bruyne gave a heartfelt reply: “It means I’ll always be part of this club, even when I’m not here physically. Whenever I return to Manchester, I’ll see a small part of myself still standing, still watching over the club.”

Speaking to Sky Sports before the tribute, De Bruyne summed up his journey. “It’s been an unbelievable ride—ten years of highs and lows, of work and joy. I wanted to entertain, to bring joy to people through football. I think we achieved that together.”

Though he missed an open goal during the first half—a moment that would’ve made for a storybook ending—it didn’t take anything away from the night. Instead, it added to the human element of a farewell filled with laughter, tears, and immense pride.

As Kevin De Bruyne walked off the pitch for the final time in a Manchester City shirt, waving to adoring fans and holding his children close, he left behind more than just memories. He left behind a legacy—a legacy of brilliance, loyalty, and love for the game that will stand forever in bronze.