Pep Guardiola believes Kevin De Bruyne will be remembered as one of English football's greatest ever players after the Belgian midfielder announced he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.

De Bruyne, 33, confirmed his decision on Friday in an emotional letter to City's fans, as he called time on his decade-long stay at the Etihad.

He has played a key role in City's era of dominance under Guardiola, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Guardiola is adamant none of it would have been possible without De Bruyne, and has admitted he will be sad to see him move on this summer.

Asked for his thoughts on De Bruyne's announcement, Guardiola said: 'A sad day. And a happy day for the fact the pleasure personally we lived this time with him, what he gave to all of us, his humanity. 

'It's not necessary to tell his success with us in the last decade - impossible to imagine without him. A sad day because a part of us is leaving.'

De Bruyne has made 413 appearances for City over the past decade, scoring 106 goals and recording 174 assists.

He has time to add to that tally in the final weeks of the season, with City still in the hunt for more silverware ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest later this month.

But no matter what happens between now and the summer, Guardiola is convinced De Bruyne's legacy is already secured.

'One of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country, and I think with Man City, there's no doubt,' Guardiola said when delivering his verdict on De Bruyne's status in the game.

'Greatest or not the greatest, always you have to be careful with players that played at Maine Road, incredible players in the last 20/30 years in this club. 

'But come on, there's no doubt he's one of the greatest for sure because of his consistency in important games, not important games, being there every three days all the time. There is no doubt.'