Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, has revealed he and some key officials at the club took the decision to show Kevin de Bruyne the door.
De Bruyne will leave the Etihad this summer after 10 trophy-laden years.
It is understood that the 33-year-old was open to staying at City, even though he would have had a reduced role.
But Guardiola has admitted he and the outgoing director of football, Txiki Begiristain decided not to offer him a new contract as he continues to rebuild his squad.
“The decision has been made for the club, and the club is the club,” Guardiola said.
“Me, Txiki, and the club, so this is what it is.
“The club has to move forward, move on, and replicating this kind of player is so difficult.
“But yeah, these are the qualities and things we have to find.”
