Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season ending a decade plus run at the club.
De Bruyne has captured nearly every trophy imaginable over the last 10 years with City, earning 6 Premier League Titles, 5 League Cups, 2 FA Cups, 2 Community Shields, and a Champions League title. Across 413 appearances for the club, the midfielder amassed 106 goals and 174 assists to date. His 118 assists in the Premier League is good for 2nd all-time in league history.
“Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading,” he said via social media. “So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that 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.”
“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.”
“Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. ‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports — and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our home.”
The 33 year old is set to become a free agent this summer, and though he hasn’t confirmed his plans beyond his time at City, rumours of a possible MLS move or joining a Saudi Pro League team have already begun to swirl.
“A sad day but a happy day for the fact that I had the pleasure personally to live this time with him,” manager Pep Guardiola said.
“What he gave us, all of us, with his humanity and his influence in our success in the last decade. Of course, 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. Always I have to be careful for the respect for the players that have played incredible roles, but 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.”
Manchester City have announced plans for a “fitting tribute” to De Bruyne as the season moves into the homestretch of the schedule.
Photo: Ardfern. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.