Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne has officially confirmed that he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 season. After nearly a decade of dominance in English and European football, the 33-year-old Belgian playmaker will bid farewell to the Etihad, marking the end of a golden chapter in City’s history.
A Decade of Brilliance at Manchester City
De Bruyne joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015 for a then-club record fee of £55 million, and over the years, he became one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history. His ability to dictate play, deliver pinpoint passes, and score crucial goals made him indispensable to Pep Guardiola’s system.
During his 10-year spell at the club, De Bruyne made 413 appearances, scored 106 goals, and provided 174 assists. His contributions were instrumental in City securing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023. His vision, technical brilliance, and leadership on the pitch have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Manchester City’s history.
De Bruyne’s Emotional Farewell
In an emotional statement, De Bruyne expressed his deep gratitude to the club, his teammates, and the City fans who have supported him throughout his tenure.
“Manchester City has been my home for the last ten years. The club, the fans, my teammates, and everyone associated with City have played a massive role in my career. I have given everything on the pitch, and I will always cherish my time here. My family and I love this city, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
City fans have long admired De Bruyne’s professionalism, passion, and loyalty. His farewell is expected to be an emotional moment, not just for the supporters but for the entire footballing world.
What’s Next for De Bruyne?
Although De Bruyne has yet to announce his next destination, reports suggest interest from Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, particularly the newly established San Diego FC, as well as lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League. The Belgian midfielder has previously hinted at the possibility of playing in a less physically demanding league as he enters the twilight of his career.
“There are many factors to consider—family, football, and new challenges. I still feel I have a lot to give, and I will take my time to decide what comes next,” De Bruyne stated in a recent interview.
Pep Guardiola Pays Tribute
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for De Bruyne, calling him “one of the greatest midfielders in football history.”
“Kevin has been the heart of this team for many years. His intelligence, passing ability, and leadership have been unmatched. He has been a joy to manage, and I can’t express enough how much we will miss him.”
There are also discussions about the possibility of De Bruyne staying for the FIFA Club World Cup this summer on a short-term deal, which would allow him to help City compete for yet another major international trophy.
Manchester City’s Final Push for Glory
As De Bruyne prepares for his final months in a City shirt, the club is still competing on multiple fronts. With crucial Premier League matches and potential silverware still on the line, City fans will be hoping to send their midfield maestro off in style.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Manchester City vs Manchester United – Sunday, April 6
- Manchester City vs Crystal Palace – Saturday, April 12
- Everton vs Manchester City – Saturday, April 19
- Manchester City vs Aston Villa – Monday, April 28
- Manchester City vs Wolves – Friday, May 2
- Southampton vs Manchester City – Saturday, May 10
The End of an Era
Kevin De Bruyne’s departure signals the end of one of the most successful eras in Manchester City’s history. His impact on the club and English football will not be forgotten, and as City fans prepare to bid him farewell, they will remember him as one of the greatest players to ever wear the sky-blue jersey.
De Bruyne’s next move remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: wherever he goes, he will be leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
