Mikel Arteta regrets that Kevin De Bruyne is closing the door behind him at Manchester City. With the imminent departure of the 33-year-old Belgian, an era is coming to an end. According to the Arsenal manager, De Bruyne belongs in the top three best players ever in the Premier League.
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Mikel Arteta has expressed his regret over the imminent departure of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, describing the Belgian midfielder’s exit as the end of an era.
De Bruyne, who has been instrumental to City’s success over the years, will be leaving the club at the end of this season after a remarkable spell that has seen him accumulate at least 413 matches, 106 goals, 174 assists, six Premier League titles, and a Champions League victory. The 33-year-old playmaker’s contribution to Manchester City’s dominance in English football is undeniable, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
Arteta, who worked closely with De Bruyne during his time as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, was quick to lavish praise on the player during a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Everton, scheduled for Saturday, April 5th, at 13:30. The Arsenal manager’s admiration for De Bruyne is evident, not only for his technical brilliance but also for his consistency and professionalism throughout his career.
Arteta highlighted De Bruyne’s unique qualities that have set him apart from other Premier League stars over the years. “I don't know if he is number one, two, or three, but for me, he is one of the best players in Premier League history. There is absolutely no doubt about it. I’ve never seen a player who can execute everything so precisely at such high speed. He can sprint at 33 or 34 kilometers per hour and send the ball over 30 meters through two players to the perfect spot. I’ve never seen anyone else do that at that pace.”
Arteta’s comments reflect the deep respect he holds for De Bruyne, not only as a player but as a professional who has consistently demonstrated his excellence in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. According to Arteta, De Bruyne possesses a rare blend of athleticism, vision, and technical skill that allows him to deliver match-winning performances week after week.
Arteta also acknowledged that De Bruyne’s mentality and determination have been critical factors in his success. He pointed out that what truly separates De Bruyne from many other elite players is his willingness to take risks and his relentless desire to improve. “What I think makes him special, aside from his technical skills, is how strong-minded he is. He always wants to take risks. Even when things aren't going as they should, he keeps doing it his way. I think that's what sets him apart from the rest.”
Reflecting on his own experiences working alongside De Bruyne, Arteta admitted that he regrets never having the opportunity to play alongside him. “I would have loved that. But I was lucky enough to be part of a team where he was involved. Watching him train and play was a privilege. You could see the dedication and passion he brought to every game and every session. It’s something special when you work with a player who strives for perfection every single day.”
As Arsenal prepares for their upcoming match against Everton, Arteta finds himself dealing with significant defensive issues. The Gunners, currently sitting second in the Premier League table, are struggling with a depleted backline. Gabriel Magalhães’s season has come to a premature end due to injury, a setback that Arteta described as “a tough one to deal with.” The manager emphasized the difficulty of managing the team’s defensive structure without such an important player, especially given Arsenal’s ambitions to challenge for the title.
Further compounding Arteta’s challenges, Ricardo Calafiori remains unavailable, with his recovery process proving to be slower than expected. Additionally, Ben White and Jurriën Timber are considered doubtful for the match against Everton. Arteta admitted that their availability remains uncertain and will likely depend on how they progress in the coming days.
“Gabriel's injury is a difficult one to process, especially since we just got Bukayo Saka back. It feels like we’re constantly having to adjust the squad due to injuries. With Ben and Jurriën, we have to wait and see. There’s a chance they will make it, but we won’t know for sure until closer to the game.”
The upcoming fixture against Everton is crucial for Arsenal as they continue their pursuit of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Arteta will be hoping that his available players can rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance despite the ongoing injury concerns.
As for De Bruyne, his legacy in the Premier League is already secure. However, Arteta’s praise serves as yet another testament to the midfielder’s remarkable talent and influence. Whether or not De Bruyne is truly among the top three Premier League players of all time may be debated for years to come, but his impact on English football is undeniable.
Updated: 04:32, 4 Apr 2025
