Pep Guardiola has said it is a "sad day" for Manchester City but hailed Kevin De Bruyne as "one of the greatest midfielders ever" following the Belgian's announcement that he is to leave the club at the end of the season.
Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday's derby at Manchester United, Guardiola admitted that he knew "a day ago" of De Bruyne's imminent announcement, bringing the curtain down on a trophy-laden career.
"A sad day. And a happy day for the fact the pleasure personally we lived this time with him, what he gave to all of us, his humanity," said Guardiola.
"It's not necessary to tell his success with us in the last decade - impossible to imagine without him. A sad day because a part of us is leaving. When Vincent [Kompany] left or Sergio [Aguero] left or David Silva left, their contribution - I can say more names, these three are examples.
"[He is] one of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country, and I think with Man City there's no doubt.
"Greatest or not the greatest, always you have to be careful with players that played at Maine Road, incredible players in the last 20, 30 years in this club.
"But come on, there's no doubt he's one of the greatest for sure because of his consistency in important games, not important games, being there every three days all the time. That is no doubt."
Statue for De Bruyne?
Indeed, Guardiola even suggested that a statue to commemorate De Bruyne's contribution would be a fitting tribute.
"Listen, I don't know," he said when asked about the possibility of a statue. "But I will bet a lot of money that's going to happen, that's for sure! I don't know, but of course, come on, he deserves to be at this level.
"It's one decade! Do you know how many games together?! How many meetings, how many training sessions, how many good moments and bad moments, how many hugs, how many shouts.
"He was involved for one decade, except days off, international breaks, except holidays. Every single day we were together! And thinking now it will be over...
"I think we'll remember him as part of this club. The club has said to him that the doors are open for the rest of his life. Whatever he wants to do here in another part, he's part of the family of this club. The impact of some players transcend beyond what he has done on the pitch and Kevin is one of them."
De Bruyne famously once said "creating opportunities for my team-mates, this is my job" - and no one could dispute that he did that in spectacular fashion after signing from Wolfsburg in 2015.
With supreme vision, an array of passing that was the envy of his contemporaries and an eye for goal, De Bruyne quickly established himself as a firm favourite with the fans.
Although injuries have restricted his appearances over the last couple of seasons, his determination for the City cause was never in question, most notably in 2022/23, when he battled through a hamstring injury to help them claim an historic Treble.
De Bruyne broke down again on his comeback at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, and an innocuous injury this season has restricted him to 20 appearances.
"What is important is that he feels good right now," added Guardiola. "We spoke recently, lately, that he had problems but now he feels, finally, because after surgery in his hamstring he had problems in other parts of the body, but now he feels ready.
"The decision is made, and of course all of us wish him, [his wife] Michelle, the kids, mum and dad, absolutely the best."
De Bruyne's contribution and influence at Man City has been recognised in the club's official statement, reflecting the high esteem in which he is held.
'Global icon of the game'
The statement read: "Manchester City will bid an emotional farewell to Kevin De Bruyne this summer when his contract expires, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year period at the Club.
"The Belgian, a global icon of the game, has played 413 matches for City. During that period, he has scored 106 times, making him the first City midfielder since Colin Bell to reach a century of goals.
"The 33-year-old has won a remarkable 16 major honours with City, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, one UEFA Champions League and two Community Shields.
"Kevin announced the news today on his personal Instagram account.
"The Club and all of our fans will now take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League."
The final word goes to Guardiola, under whose guidance De Bruyne blossomed into a world-class midfielder: "It's a sad day," he said. "But still we have 10 games, and hopefully 11 [with the FA Cup final] - six games at home that still we can enjoy with our fans and he will get the love and recognition that he deserves."