In a heart-wrenching announcement that has sent shockwaves through the football community, Kevin De Bruyne, the iconic midfielder of Manchester City, revealed on April 4, 2025, that he will depart the club at the end of the current season. The Belgian, who has been a central figure at the Etihad Stadium since his arrival in 2015, shared his decision via an emotional letter posted on social media, marking the end of an era for both him and the club.
De Bruyne's departure comes after a remarkable decade during which he transformed into one of the most celebrated players in Premier League history. Signed from Wolfsburg for a then-club record fee of £52 million, he quickly established himself as a key player, contributing significantly to the club's success. Over his tenure, the 33-year-old has made 413 appearances for City, netting 106 goals and providing a staggering 171 assists, placing him among the all-time greats of the league.
In his heartfelt letter, De Bruyne expressed gratitude to the club and its supporters, stating, "The football brought me to you and to this city. Chasing my dreams, not knowing that 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." His words resonate deeply with fans who have witnessed his journey and the impact he has had on the team.
De Bruyne's tenure at Manchester City has been marked by unprecedented success, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League trophy in the 2022-2023 season. His contributions on the pitch have made him a fan favorite and a pivotal player in Pep Guardiola's side, often described as the heartbeat of the team.
As City faces a challenging season, already eliminated from the Champions League and trailing in the Premier League title race, De Bruyne's announcement adds to the turmoil surrounding the club. Guardiola, who has been at the helm since 2016, described the day as both sad and happy, reflecting on the joy De Bruyne has brought to the club. "It's a sad day, and a happy one for the pleasure we had alongside him, for everything he gave us, his humanity. It's impossible to imagine this team without him," Guardiola remarked during a press conference ahead of the Manchester derby against United.
"A part of us is leaving, but we have ten games, maybe eleven, six of them at home for our fans to enjoy him," Guardiola added, emphasizing the importance of the remaining matches for both De Bruyne and the club. The potential for an eleventh game refers to the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on April 26, 2025, where City hopes to secure one last trophy for De Bruyne before he departs.
Despite his injuries in recent seasons, including a significant muscle injury that sidelined him for a month and a half, De Bruyne has managed to contribute six goals and nine assists in 35 appearances during the current campaign. However, speculation regarding his future has already begun, with reports linking him to clubs in the Middle East, a possibility he acknowledged last August when he stated, "At my age, you have to be open to everything. You’re talking about incredible amounts of money that could be the end of my career. Sometimes, you have to think about that."
As the news of De Bruyne's departure spreads, reactions from fans and pundits alike highlight his status as one of the greatest players in Premier League history. The Manchester Evening News called him "arguably the greatest athlete to play for the club," while The Guardian noted that he is the most successful player in the club's history, having secured 19 trophies during his time at City.
Looking ahead, City will face their fierce rivals Manchester United on April 6, 2025, at Old Trafford, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 PM (Brasilia time). This match could serve as a poignant moment for De Bruyne, who has played a crucial role in many high-stakes encounters against United throughout his career.
As fans prepare to bid farewell to one of their all-time greats, the atmosphere at the Etihad will undoubtedly be charged with emotion. De Bruyne's legacy at Manchester City is firmly cemented, and while his departure marks the end of an era, it also opens a new chapter for the midfielder. The football world will be watching closely to see where his journey takes him next, as he leaves a club that has become synonymous with his name.
In conclusion, as Kevin De Bruyne prepares to say goodbye to Manchester City, the memories of his contributions will linger long in the hearts of fans, teammates, and the club itself. His impact on the game and the legacy he leaves behind will be felt for years to come, as he embarks on the next stage of his illustrious career.
