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Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
De Bruyne is Manchester City's ‘greatest player' says club chairman as Guardiola prepares team for Club World Cup
ABU DHABI: Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has provided his annual review of the season to the club's official online channel. In Part 1 of the interview he discussed the challenges of the 2024-2025 campaign, the departure of a club legend and his trust in manager Pep Guardiola. Here are some of the highlights. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport On City improving next season … We will be back. This season is a season that's now behind us. And we will take all the good things and the not-so-good things from this season and learn from it and improve from it and get better. I can assure you, this club will do everything possible to come back to the standards that we know we all can achieve and that we know, we will achieve. If there's one thing I'd like right now, it's to turn that page from last season and just immediately start focusing on next season. All the players, everyone I saw yesterday after the Fulham game, all the players, they're excited, they're excited about coming back. Nobody feels good about how we finished the season. They want to come back and they want to come back hungry. And I can see the hunger. And that's exactly why you see me so positive. We're going to come back strong, with a lot of positivity. On City's summer transfer strategy … We have clearly identified who exactly are the targets, in what positions, and we have our clear No.1 option, our clear No.2 option. And we'll go about our business, and it will be very clear, very swift. Our objective is to try to be ready with the new squad for the Club World Cup. On Kevin De Bruyne … In my view, he is the greatest player to play for this club. His accomplishments speak for themselves. His accomplishments for the club in terms of trophies — that tally, number of Premier Leagues, the Champions League, FA Cups, Community Shields, Carabao Cups. It's an unbelievable tally, the highest of any player who has ever played for this club. He's been a captain. He's been a leader. He's been a teammate. He's been everything you would hope from your most important player. Kevin really transcends this team and I'm so proud of what he has accomplished. It's one of the best decisions we ever took – the day we took the decision to invest in Kevin and bring him from Wolfsburg. I remember some people thought we overpaid. On Pep Guardiola … One thing we have with Pep, which is so fundamental, is one word: trust. We have trust, and it goes both ways. I think he trusts us. He trusts me. He trusts the organisation. He trusts the club, and we trust him. And that trust is what, in the good times, allows you to keep winning. And in the tough times, that's where that trust really shows up. And we've gone through all these ups and downs, and we've always stood together as a team. And inevitably it's always shown to be the foundation of our success.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Rugby Confidential: Inside the minefield facing free agents this summer, Bath bolter lined up for England call and Saracens star signs new deal
On Sunday afternoon, the man with the microphone at the Stoop took after the post-match proceedings and directed everyone's eyes towards Danny Care in the middle of the pitch. This was the Care's retirement day. There was sorrow about the departure of a club legend but he bowed out on his own terms and the mood felt more like a celebration.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
It was a farewell fit for a king as Kevin De Bruyne says goodbye to the Etihad
Following Manchester City's crucial 3-1 win over Bournemouth last night at the Etihad, a club legend played his last game at the Etihad and said goodbye to the Manchester City fans. A touching ceremony was held for Kevin De Bruyne to say goodbye to the club and fans that he has given everything for. It was a farewell fit for a king. As it unfolded, there was no doubt about where De Bruyne sits as a Manchester City legend. The emotion of it all got to Kevin De Bruyne. It was always going to be an emotional night last night. Kevin De Bruyne has proven himself to be Manchester City's greatest ever player. The hope was that his team could send him off in style with a victory. They did that, and De Bruyne played a key role in the victory before he was substituted at the 70-minute mark. His walk off the pitch was a special moment in itself. But it would get even more emotional after the final whistle. Advertisement Kevin De Bruyne and his family joined Natalie Pike in the centre of the Etihad Stadium. The emotion of it all got to De Bruyne as the Manchester City fans serenaded a club legend. After giving so much to the cause for a decade, De Bruyne had done all he could for his club at the Etihad. There is no more left to do for him. He and his team have scaled the mountain several times over. De Bruyne has paid a physical price for his efforts. But it's those efforts that have made him a Manchester City and Premier League legend. He will be honoured with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium. That is a fitting reward for the legacy De Bruyne leaves behind. But last night's tribute to the Belgian international was the perfect way for him to go out at the Etihad Stadium. Kevin De Bruyne says goodbye to the Manchester City fans with his family. There is no doubt about the standing that De Bruyne has at Manchester City. The video tributes to Kevin De Bruyne leave left no doubt about his standing at the club. To see Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Joe Hart, Leroy Sane, Riyad Mahrez, Pablo Zabaleta, Mike Summerbee, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden just to name a few shower De Bruyne in praise shows that he is the greatest Manchester City player of all time. The moment when his children praised their father was also touching moment. In an era where footballers aren't so much viewed as people, but rather as commodities that was an especially touching moment. Advertisement Kevin De Bruyne's farewell to the Etihad and the Manchester City fans was a special moment last night. It will live long in the memory as will his deeds on the pitch. But from my personal point of view the best way to sum up De Bruyne's contribution to Manchester City is this: Thank you Kevin De Bruyne. For the goals, the assists, the trophies, the sacrifice and the lifetime of memories that will never be forgotten. If you're lucky as a football fan your club will have maybe 4 of 5 players in your lifetime who will go down as club legends and their performances will never be forgotten. Over the past 15 years Manchester City have had a host of these players in Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva. Kevin De Bruyne sits alongside them and perhaps at the head of that table. He got the send off he deserved last night and that alongside his immense contribution will never be forgotten.
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Luton plan testimonial for departing Mpanzu
Luton Town have confirmed plans to organise a testimonial for departing club legend Pelly-Ruddock Hatters announced on Friday that midfielder Mpanzu will be released at the end of his contract next exit will bring an end to his 12-season stay at Kenilworth that time Mpanzu has made 412 appearances for Luton and played a major part in their nine-year rise from the National League to the Premier chief executive Gary Sweet said: "We'll miss him greatly but wish him every success with whatever comes next."And when the time is convenient for Pelly and his career, he will be honoured with a testimonial here to thank him for such wonderful service."
