Kevin De Bruyne has revealed that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season.
The Belgian midfielder’s contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire this summer, and he announced on Friday that he will leave the club as a free agent. During his decade with the team, they have secured 16 trophies, which include six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, and a Champions League title.
He has also been honored as the Premier League Player of the Season on two occasions (2019-20, 2021-22).
“Given this news, you can probably guess where this is going,” he stated in a social media post on Friday.
“So, I’ll be direct and let you know that these will be my last months as a player for Manchester City.
“Writing this isn’t easy, but as athletes, we all understand that this moment eventually arrives. That moment is now — and you deserve to hear it from me first.”
Football has connected me with all of you and introduced me to this remarkable city. As I chased my dream, I never anticipated that this journey would transform my life. This city, this club, and the wonderful people here have provided me with everything, inspiring me to give my utmost in return. And you know what? We accomplished it all.
Whether we want to or not, the time has come to say farewell. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I are immensely thankful for what this place has meant to our family. ‘Manchester’ will always be etched in our children’s passports and, more importantly, in our hearts. This will forever be our home.
De Bruyne made his move to City at the age of 24 from Wolfsburg in 2015, and over the next decade, he solidified his status as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.
“Without a doubt, he is one of the finest midfielders to have ever played in this country, especially with Manchester City,” Guardiola stated during a press conference on Friday, ahead of the Premier League match against Manchester United on Sunday.
Exercise caution when talking about players from Maine Road, as they have showcased some of the most extraordinary talents in the club’s history over the last two to three decades. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that he stands among the all-time legends, thanks to his consistent performances in both critical and less significant games, reliably appearing every three days without exception.
The Spaniard disclosed that he was aware of De Bruyne’s impending departure a few days before the official announcement, but the news still stirred a mix of emotions. “This is a bittersweet feeling. Although it brings sadness, it is also a time for celebration, as I had the privilege of coaching this great player. His humility and influence have been vital to our accomplishments over the last decade, a success that would have been unimaginable without his contributions.”
At 33, De Bruyne, who started his career under José Mourinho at Chelsea, has been a key figure in Manchester City’s successful period. In his 413 matches for the club, he has scored 106 goals and provided an impressive 174 assists. His outstanding playmaking skills have earned him the second-highest number of assists in Premier League history, with 118, just behind Ryan Giggs, who has 162.
Since joining City in 2015, De Bruyne has created 826 chances, nearly 300 more than any other Premier League player, with Christian Eriksen in second place at 532. His 187 goal contributions during this time rank him fourth overall, behind Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, and Son Heung-Min. This season, he has played in 20 league matches, having encountered a setback in September and faced difficulties in regaining full fitness.
With speculation linking him to the MLS and the Saudi Pro League, De Bruyne may end his tenure at City with more trophies, as the club is scheduled to compete against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semifinals later this month.
