Manchester City winger Kevin de Bruyne confirmed on Friday that he is drawing the curtain down on his career at the club after 10 years, which saw him win 19 titles, including six Premier Leagues and the Champions League. The 34-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, made his announcement with a post on social media.
"Dear Manchester. These will be my final months as a Manchester City player. Nothing about this is easy to write but as football players we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here - and you deserve to hear it from me first," he wrote.
De Bruyne reflected on his journey with the club, stating, "This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what - we won EVERYTHING. Whether we like it or not, it's time to say goodbye… Every story comes to an end but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let's enjoy these last moments together."
City coach Pep Guardiola reacted to the news, expressing sadness over De Bruyne's departure. "It was a sad day," Guardiola said, comparing the Belgian to other former City greats, such as Vincent Kompany, Kun Aguero, and David Silva. "He is one of the greatest Premier League players ever and at this club, there is no doubt about that. You always have to be careful when you say greatest out of respect for the players that have played in the last 20/30 years at this club, but there is no doubt he is one of the greatest for sure," Guardiola added.
De Bruyne joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015, and since then, he has scored 106 goals in 413 appearances for the club. His time at City has been nothing short of spectacular, as he has racked up an impressive 169 assists, with 118 of those coming in the Premier League. He became the quickest player to reach 100 assists in the league, achieving the milestone in just 237 games.
Throughout his career at Manchester City, De Bruyne has been a crucial player in their success, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five Carabao Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023. His contributions to the team have been invaluable, as he has created the most chances (827) and the most big chances (193) in Premier League history.
Despite his remarkable achievements, De Bruyne’s recent seasons have been marred by injuries, limiting his appearances and effectiveness on the pitch. This season, he has started just 19 matches, a stark contrast to his previous years where he was a regular starter and influential figure in the team.
The news of De Bruyne's departure comes as City prepares for the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they are determined to lift the trophy after losing in the final to arch-rivals Manchester United last year. Guardiola acknowledged the emotional weight of De Bruyne's exit, stating, "Part of us is leaving. When Vincent or Sergio or David left, these players have contributions. He’s one of the greatest in this country. There’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure. The doors are open here for the rest of his life. He’s part of this family, this club."
As for what lies ahead for De Bruyne, rumors swirl around potential moves to clubs such as River Plate, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and even a possible lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League. However, as of now, his future remains uncertain, and he has yet to make any definitive decisions.
Guardiola also hinted at the possibility of De Bruyne receiving a statue outside the Etihad Stadium, joining the likes of Kompany, Aguero, and Silva, who have all been honored for their contributions to the club. "I will bet a lot of money that it’s going to happen, that’s for sure. He deserves to," Guardiola stated.
De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an era for Manchester City, as he will be the last player to leave who was part of the first-team squad before Guardiola's arrival in 2016. His impact on the club has been profound, and he will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in Premier League history.
As the season progresses, De Bruyne will look to leave Manchester City on a high note, with the club still competing for silverware. Fans and teammates alike will surely rally around him as they prepare for the final chapter of his illustrious career at the club.
In his farewell message, De Bruyne expressed gratitude for his time at the club, stating, "Football led me to all of you - and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what - we won EVERYTHING."
As the curtain falls on his time at Manchester City, the football world waits with bated breath to see where the next chapter of Kevin De Bruyne’s career will take him. Will he continue to dazzle fans with his extraordinary talent, or will he choose to step away from the limelight? Only time will tell.
