Zabaleta, Goater & Dickov Praise De Bruyne’s Man City Legacy

Manchester City’s farewell to Kevin De Bruyne has sparked an outpouring of admiration from club legends, with Pablo Zabaleta, Paul Dickov, and Shaun Goater leading tributes to the Belgian maestro. After 10 seasons, 19 trophies, 108 goals, and 170 assists, De Bruyne’s departure was met with deep emotion and gratitude from fans and former players alike. The 32-year-old, who arrived in 2015 from Wolfsburg for a fee initially questioned by critics, leaves behind a legacy unmatched in City’s modern era.

Zabaleta Reflects on De Bruyne’s Legacy

Former City full-back Pablo Zabaleta reminisced about the early skepticism surrounding De Bruyne’s signing, only to see the Belgian blossom into a transformational figure.

“I will never forget the time journalists said ‘How much money is that for De Bruyne? Ridiculous money’, and 10 years later, look at him now,” Zabaleta said on Matchday Live.

He added, “He took the Club to another level. He’s one of those players that wins games… Kevin is one of the greatest talents this Club has ever had.”

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Dickov: “The Best I’ve Ever Seen”

Former striker Paul Dickov went a step further, declaring De Bruyne the best player he’s seen at the Etihad — and possibly in the Premier League.

“You just look at the numbers. 19 trophies – it’s just ridiculous,” Dickov said. “At his peak, his work rate without the ball was unbelievable. He’s a leader without screaming and shouting.”

Dickov’s praise highlights De Bruyne’s all-rounded brilliance — vision, tenacity, and elegance — attributes that have powered City’s golden era under Pep Guardiola.

Shaun Goater: “Blessed to Witness Brilliance”

Cult hero Shaun Goater echoed the sentiment, lauding De Bruyne’s technical mastery and emotional composure during the send-off.

“Kevin puts the ball exactly there and it’s not luck,” said Goater. “He excites me and he basically averages two trophies a season! This guy is just phenomenal.”

Goater described how the stadium remained full long after the final whistle, a fitting tribute to a player adored by fans for his consistency, creativity, and class.

A Statue and a Standing Ovation

De Bruyne’s farewell was capped with an emotional tribute at the Etihad, where it was announced he would receive his own statue — an honor befitting a player of his magnitude. Fans, despite the late hour on a school night, stayed to give the Belgian a hero’s send-off, underlining the connection he has built with the City faithful.

“Once these fans love you, they love you,” said Goater. “They absolutely adore Kevin because he’s given them so many great moments.”

Conclusion

Kevin De Bruyne leaves Manchester City not just as a decorated footballer but as a club icon whose influence changed the trajectory of the team forever. From skepticism over his price tag to legendary status and a statue in his honor, De Bruyne’s journey is a blueprint for excellence and consistency. As he departs, he does so with love, respect, and gratitude from every corner of the blue side of Manchester.