Pep Guardiola reacts as Kevin De Bruyne makes frustrations with Man City very clear

has confessed that parting ways with will be the most challenging moment of his time as Manchester City manager as he was grilled on the playmaker's frustrations at being released. City have decided to let De Bruyne leave on a free transfer when his contract concludes in June, as he no longer fits into Guardiola's future plans.

De Bruyne expressed his shock at Guardiola's decision to let him go after a decade filled with trophies at the Etihad. He said: "I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it." Despite this, Guardiola remains firm on his choice not to offer the Belgian another contract and acknowledges the emotional difficulty of his departure.

"Yeah, by far (the hardest moment)," the City boss admitted. "I lived a lot of things with players like him. We have lived a lot of things with them, a lot. Good moments, in terrible bad moments."

Guardiola reflected on his time with players like De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, and many others during his nine-year tenure at City, saying: "They are part of my life. We have lived here. It's impossible you don't feel it. Of course, it's so difficult. Of course it is."

Reacting to De Bruyne's disappointment at being let go, Guardiola insisted his focus on preparing for today's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley. "The feelings he has, and all the players have, I understand it completely," he said. "I understand. It cannot be otherwise.

"He behaves unbelievably all these years, and this month again, and it will happen until the end. He has trained really good. He is playing, helping us with his skills and his talents and I know he wants the best for the club. This is all we are concerned about, preparing for Nottingham Forest and not thinking much further than that."

De Bruyne, set to turn 34 in June, has expressed reluctance to sign a short-term contract extension to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the US this summer. Guardiola is keen for De Bruyne to join but has yet to discuss the matter with him.

Meanwhile, Guardiola is enthusiastic about the prospects of 20-year-old Nico O'Reilly, who has impressed as a makeshift left-back. With five goals in his last 11 appearances, O'Reilly has demonstrated his versatility and willingness to adapt to an unfamiliar role.

Guardiola said: "His utility helps us a lot. Nico can play inside and outside, arrive in the box, make crosses, which can be so valuable with Erling Haaland. That's why Nico deserves the minutes he's playing."