Pep Guardiola Thanks Kevin De Bruyne After Winning Goal

Kevin De Bruyne scores winning goal for Manchester City in penultimate home game, Pep Guardiola expresses gratitude.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed gratitude for Kevin De Bruyne's contribution to the team's 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. De Bruyne scored the winning goal in his penultimate game at the Etihad Stadium, securing a crucial victory in City's pursuit of Champions League qualification.

The win highlighted what the team will miss about De Bruyne once he's gone, as he reminded fans of his exceptional talent. Guardiola's familiar response to De Bruyne's impact was simply to say thanks.

The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder announced last month that he would leave Manchester City once his contract expires at the end of the season.

“Just thank you,” Guardiola told Sky Sports when asked about De Bruyne's contribution. He highlighted De Bruyne's impact in crucial games, such as against Crystal Palace, and praised his goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

De Bruyne had previously expressed surprise that City hadn't offered him a contract extension, stating he still had plenty to give. Despite this, he finished his penultimate home game with a winning goal, securing a 1-0 victory for City.

De Bruyne acknowledged the sentiment among teammates that it's sad he's leaving, but emphasized his commitment to the team. “A lot of teammates have said that it's sad I have to go too but that's just how it goes sometimes in life,” he said.

PEP 💬 It was really good. We saw against Palace when we were 2-0 down and [Kevin's] goal lifted us and gave us the momentum to come back. His contribution is massive.

There are players like Sergio, like him, like Vinnie in the heart of the people. It’s not just titles and… pic.twitter.com/6WQIScIebp

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 2, 2025

De Bruyne expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I think the way I'm performing and acting like a teammate... I give everything and I want to win the game. I think I showed that I can still play, otherwise I don't do what I do these last four or five weeks.”

Guardiola seemed uneasy when asked if De Bruyne's departure could be reconsidered, avoiding a direct answer.

📺 @KevinDeBruyne's strike claimed an important win in the @premierleague against Wolves 💪

Highlights 👇 pic.twitter.com/ETyOz7HUaB

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 2, 2025

“I want the best for Kevin so it cannot be possible to have done these many years without him. He has been an incredible player but the situation is what it is,” the manager said.

“It's almost impossible to replace this kind of player. It is not just the performance, it is what he means to the heart for our fans for many, many years. The success we have belongs to the players.”

Kevin De Bruyne has had a remarkable career at Manchester City, lifting 16 trophies since joining from VfL Wolfsburg in 2015. His achievements include six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023, as well as being named Premier League Player of the Season twice.

Pundit Jamie Carragher believes the focus should be on De Bruyne's contributions to the team. “We should not be getting bogged down in the contract situation,” Carragger said, emphasizing that De Bruyne's legacy should be celebrated.

“It's been decided, it's over. Let's salute him, let's talk about how great he's been, and let's talk about the statue, he's going to get a statue isn't he? For me, he's Manchester City's greatest-ever player.”