Pep Guardiola admits saying goodbye to Kevin De Bruyne will be the toughest part of his job. Guardiola has decided to let De Bruyne go when the 33-year-old’s contract expires in June because he no longer sees him as part of his plans. De Bruyne says he is shocked by Guardiola’s call to axe him after 10 trophy-laden years at the Etihad. Guardiola insists he stands by his decision not to hand the Belgium star another deal and says it will be hard emotionally when he goes. “Yeah, by far,” said the Manchester City boss. “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. Without them, Sergio, Kevin, David Silva, all the players, I could make a long, long list from my nine years here, there are a lot of players that come in and they leave. “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.” Guardiola says he understands the hurt De Bruyne feels at being binned, but says his focus is 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. I wish personally for him and his family, on behalf of all the club, all the best. 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, who turns 34 in June, does not want to agree a short-term contract extension to play for City at FIFA’s Club World Cup in the US this summer. Guardiola wants De Bruyne to go and says he has still not discussed the tournament with him. Guardiola’s focus is on the future at City and he is excited by the potential of Nico O’Reilly, who is performing well as a makeshift left-back. The 20-year-old Mancunian has five goals in his last 11 appearances and Guardiola is delighted with his attitude in this unfamiliar role. “His physicality and presence as an attacking midfielder, he is composed with the ball and he has surprised me with his attention in defence,” he said. “We are weak in that position and his generosity to play in a position he’s not used to has given more strength to the team. He’s an attacking midfielder and so many times when the cross comes in, he’s there. “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.” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.