Micah Richards believes Man City may be making a mistake in allowing Kevin De Bruyne to leave on a free transfer, while Jamie Redknapp says the genius Belgium international could still have a lot to offer in the Premier League.
Midfielder De Bruyne bade an emotional farewell to supporters after making his final City appearance at the Etihad Stadium in Tuesday evenings 3-1 Premier League win over Bournemouth. The 33-year-olds next destination is unknown and Richards feels he could still be a big asset to Pep Guardiolas side next season.
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Hes got so much more to offer this football club. I could see him in a deeper role without the pressing numbers he once had. But in terms of on the ball, the things is Man City dominate the ball all the time anyway.
He could still do a job on the ball, for sure. But theyve made a decision, its not meant to be, and I hope wherever he goes, he goes and does exactly what hes been doing for the last 10 years. He still has so much to offer at the highest level.
Hes a superstar, an absolute superstar. Belgium international De Bruyne has scored 108 goals in 421 matches for City since joining from German club Wolfsburg in 2015. During his 10-year stay he became Citys most successful player, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, the Champions League, the Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
He lets his football do the talking, said Richards. Hes such a shy character but Ive been meeting him over the years and seeing how humble he is and how great a player he is, its just great to see. Hes deserved his send-off.
Everyone whos played with him speaks highly of him, and to do what hes done in the Premier League is just sensational. Could De Bruyne stay in the Premier League? Richards fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp labelled De Bruyne a genius and believes there is a chance he could remain in English football beyond this season.
In April, Sky Sports News reported Aston Villa held internal discussions about a potential move for De Bruyne, while four MLS clubs, Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, NYCFC and D.C. United made enquiries over the players professional and financial expectations.
Redknapp, who interviewed De Bruyne on Monday for Sky Sports, said: I asked him, Whats next? What do you think? And he said, Maybe the Premier League but I dont know. There wasnt a categoric absolutely not, so who knows? Because hes not only a great player but hell have an ego as well that he wants to prove himself.
I cannot wait to see what his next move is, he added. He might go to a deeper role. Its going to be fascinating because Id be amazed if theres not a few Premier League clubs, and a lot will not be able to afford him, saying Ill have him for a couple of years.
He could still do a bit for us. Theres footballers and there are legends, and hes a legend – an absolute legend for this football club and a legend of the Premier League. We use the word great a lot; great doesnt do him justice, hes a genius.
In pictures: De Bruynes farewell to the Etihad… He will be missed – Pep leads tributes to Kevin De Bruyne Meanwhile, Guardiola called it a sad day as De Bruyne made his final City home appearance and admitted it will be a tough task to replace him The City was in tears as tributes were paid to De Bruyne on the big screen.
Sergio Aguero, Mike Summerbee, Fernandinho, Aymeric Laporte, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, Riyad Mahrez and Vincent Kompany were among the club greats and former players to feature in the montage.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Guardiola said: Theres something that you cannot buy, if youre honest. He got all the love especially the gratitude for the player year after year what hes done.
The important thing is the emotions for him and his family and our fans, he added. Everybody saw how much the people from Manchester City are connected with him and his family and how much love [they have].
Titles are nice and everything that he has achieved, but when you leave after 10 years with this much respect and gratitude, there is nothing else better than that. The club will take the decision, I am part of that, but it is a sad day and he will be missed, there is no doubt about that.
City have cooled their interest in Florian Wirtz as they seek a long-term successor for De Bruyne, but Guardiola admitted it will be no easy task to fill his boots. Like with Sergio (Aguero), players like that are unique and he scored the most important goal in the history… Ten years is a lot of games, a lot of titles and a lot of moments, today summarised how much love was there, that is so nice, really nice.
