The Belgian has been pivotal to the Club’s domestic success under Guardiola – winning our Player of the Season award four times and being named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season on two occasions.
Now 31, De Bruyne is in his eighth season at the Etihad Stadium.
His major contributions for City have often come in the final third, supplying the pass or finish to break down opposition defences.
Match preview | City v RB Leipzig
Ahead of Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 meeting with RB Leipzig, he was asked about his role at City may change as he grows older.
“I’m not going to be fully the same,” he said.
“When I was 17/18 I played more holding then with the national team I played five years in holding midfield because we played with a five. I was one of two with Axel [Witsel].
“People say when you get older you get lower but I’ve been the opposite. I’ve been low, I’ve been up, left and right.
“I feel like I change positions less now because it’s the coach’s decision. Whatever will come I will try do the job. I will never be Fernandinho, I can’t be. We’re not the same person, he’s an unbelievable number six. I just do what I do.”
City v RB Leipzig
Our official app allows you to follow all the action from the Etihad in one place.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, while our Matchday Live show will begin at 18:40 (UK).
Shaun Goater, Paul Dickov and Steph Houghton are our special guests on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle.
They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.