Thomas Frank reacts to Kevin De Bruyne leaving Manchester City | OneFootball

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has reacted to the news that Kevin De Bruyne is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season.

The Belgian midfielder announced on Friday that he will depart the Etihad Stadium in the summer, bringing an end to a highly successful 10-year spell with the Cityzens.

Frank heaped praise on the 33-year-old, describing him as one of the best midfielders the Premier League has seen.

"I'm a little bit shocked but equally probably not surprised as I knew his contract was coming to an end," said the Bees boss.

"I can only praise him. He's one of the best midfielders in the Premier League ever.

"In terms of the more offensive central midfielder, you have [Frank] Lampard and [Steven] Gerrard. I think De Bruyne is up there.

"He's a top player, almost the complete player in many ways, and he's been crucial to Man City's success."

Brentford host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon at Gtech Community Stadium (2pm kick-off BST).

"We are facing a very strong Chelsea team who, after a strong start to the season, had a bit of a dip," Frank continued.

"They had a few injuries. I watched them last night [a 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur] and they were very good.

"It's a fully firing Chelsea team we are facing and they need the Champions League spot. I'm not trying to play games; they need the Champions League spot and they need to beat us.

"A perfect performance on the pitch and a perfect performance in the stands can hopefully get us the win."