Pep: KDB one of the greatest midfielders in City and Premier League history | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola hailed Kevin De Bruyne as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history and a player whose impact transcends everything in the wake of the news that KDB will leave City at the end of the season.

The iconic Belgian talisman confirmed earlier today he is to bring the curtain down on his glittering 10-year Etihad career when his contract expires in the summer.

In that decade, the 33-year old’s impact and influence has been immense with KDB helping City go on to win 19 major trophies, a remarkable haul that features six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup and three Community Shields.

He has also become the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s City, with his goals, vision, drive and leadership embodying all that have made the Club such a towering force across the global game in that time.

And addressing the media on Friday in the immediate aftermath of De Bruyne’s announcement, Pep paid handsome and emotional tribute to the Belgian’s incredible City career, adding that the door would always be open to a player he described as part of the City family.

“I read this week that he’s been involved in 280 goals and assists, and in the Premier League he is one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country and for this club – there is no doubt,” Pep declared.

“Always when you say the greatest you have to be careful for respect for the players who played many roles and incredible players that have played the last 20 or 30 years in this Club.

WATCH: De Bruyne announcement means it’s a sad day for the Club, says Guardiola

“But come on, there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure.

“For his consistency, except the last year, year and a half, due to injury problems. The consistency in important games and not important games, every three days being there all the time. There's no doubt.

“His assists, goals, vision in final third is so difficult to replace.

“Everyone can make actions for assists, [it's] how many years and games that makes him unique.

“In the end this is a business, the players have to perform well and a manager has to perform well.

“We know that any person can discuss his performance during this decade has been outstanding.

WATCH: Watch: Kevin De Bruyne reaches 400 City appearances

“We've won a lot of trophies and he's been involved in every single one.

“We remember him as part of this club and the statement he has done to the Club, what he said to him the door is open for the rest of his life.

“Whatever he wants to do here or another part, he’s part of the family of this club.

“The impact of some players transcends even what you've done on this pitch. Kevin is one of them.”