This is surely one of the easier elements of De Bruyne’s exit to read. The Belgian’s contract runs to 30 June. That means he is clear to play in the group phase of the expanded 32-team tournament in the United States. If City win their group, he could also play in the last-16 game.

However, “could” is doing some heavy lifting here. To play any further part in the knockout phase, De Bruyne would have to sign a short-term extension, which Fifa has made possible under adjustments to their registration rules made specifically for the tournament.

But, if De Bruyne is intent on extending his career – and every indication so far is that is the case – why would he risk injury playing at a tournament which Guardiola has indicated he intends to use partly as preparation for the 2025-26 campaign? That would make little sense.

Should he so wish, De Bruyne could sign a lucrative contract at one of the other 31 clubs purely to play in the tournament, and then leave when it is done, which is another avenue Fifa’s amended rules have been created to allow.

Far more likely, De Bruyne will play for Belgium in their World Cup qualifiers with North Macedonia and Wales at the beginning of June and then take a break before starting the next phase of his career somewhere else in July.

That would mean an Etihad Stadium send off in City’s final home game against Bournemouth – scheduled for 18 May, but to be moved if Guardiola’s side are in the FA Cup final that weekend.

As prestigious as Fifa president Gianni Infantino says the Club World Cup is, that would surely be a more fitting City farewell for De Bruyne – at least until he returns for the unveiling of the statue Guardiola believes is certain to be commissioned in his honour.