Guardiola happy that De Bruyne finishing career at City in fine fashion

LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola summed up Kevin de Bruyne’s contribution to his team’s crucial 1-0 English Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on May 2 in the same way that he has so many times before – by saying thanks.

The Belgian playmaker scored the game’s lone goal in his penultimate game at Etihad Stadium to give third-placed City a crucial victory in their chase for Champions League qualification – and in the process, the outgoing captain sent a reminder of what the team will be missing once he is gone.

The 33-year-old announced in April that he would leave the team once his contract expires at the end of the season.

“Just thank you,” Guardiola told Sky Sports, when asked for his thoughts on de Bruyne.

“His contribution in the game against Crystal Palace when we were 2-0 down and he delivers (City won 5-2 in the end with de Bruyne scoring the team’s first goal) and today the goal again.

“I’m happy that it is finishing that way and we have one more game at the Etihad.”

De Bruyne had expressed surprise that he had not been offered a contract extension by City, saying that he still had plenty to give.

“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 and I think the way I’m performing and acting like a teammate... I give everything and I want to win the game,” he said.

“I think I showed that I can still play, otherwise I don’t do what I do these last four or five weeks.”

Guardiola looked uncomfortable when asked if there is any way de Bruyne’s stay could be extended – something which may not be in his power