Guardiola: "De Bruyne is a legend, our people love him"

Manchester City head coach Josep Guardiola praised Kevin De Bruyne's impact on the Citizens' performance in the 3-2 win over Newcastle in the 21st round of the Premier League.

The Belgian played in the Premier League for the first time since 11 August, scoring a goal and an assist after coming on as a substitute in the match against the Magpies.

"I had a feeling he wasn't ready for the full 90 minutes after five months out. We can't forget that.

People say: "Okay, he's ready, so he can play 90 minutes after five months of absence". But this is not the case, and that's why he came on as a substitute. We controlled the game, and he proved himself so well in the last 35 minutes, scoring a goal, providing an assist and making so many chances with his shots.

He is a special player. He is a legend, he is adored by our people, and he is fresh in his thinking because five months is a long time. I hope in the second half of the season he will help us stay in the race until the end," Guardiola was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.