Thierry Henry says he has 'even more respect' for Kevin De Bruyne after 'private' conversation

Thierry Henry says he has "even more respect" for Kevin De Bruyne after they engaged in a "private" conversation on the Etihad touchline.

Goals from Bernardo Silva [2], Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez helped Manchester City secure a well-deserved place in the Champions League final on Wednesday night.

Pep Guardiola's side ran out 5-1 winners on aggregate, with the inevitable De Bruyne playing a crucial role, especially in the first-leg after netting their equaliser.

The Belgian midfielder, who has been one of City's standout performers this season, was substituted in the 84th minute of last night's win against Los Blancos.

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• Kevin De Bruyne appeared to tell Pep Guardiola to 'shut up' during heated debate in Real Madrid win

And after the full-time whistle, De Bruyne could be seen in deep conversation with former Belgium assistant coach Thierry Henry, who was on punditry duty for CBS Sports.

Moments later, presenter Kate Abdo asked Henry to share the nature of the intimate conversation.

"It was [a touching moment]. I can't say it because I have to keep that private," the former Arsenal forward said.

"But from what he said to me, I even more respect how he played tonight and how he came and battled with his team. I can't share what he said because I can't share it. That's how it is.

"But once again I will go back to, for me he is the most important player."

Manchester City, meanwhile, want to keep the matter private, according to the Daily Mail, who say the Premier League leaders are 'confident' it will not affect the rest of the 2022/23 campaign.

Papo de CRAQUES! 🤝🏼😍 O que será que Henry e De Bruyne conversavam no fim do jogo? 👀 Nossa câmera exclusiva flagrou a dupla! #CasaDaChampions pic.twitter.com/PcqHYGmZyl

— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) May 17, 2023

In his post-match interview, Pep Guardiola went on to explain his explosive row with Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian appeared to tell his manager to "shut up" during the game.

He said: “At 2-0 we rushed a lot. Right after the break [Ilkay] Gundogan lost a ball, Kevin made three transitions that weren’t necessary and we rushed a lot when we had to do the opposite, sink them and turn them, sink them and turn them.

"But it’s normal. It gets close, you rush, and it has cost us more, although in general we have had an extraordinary game.”