Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season. His contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in the summer, and he said on friday that will leave the club as a free agent.
In his 10 years at the club, the team has won 16 trophies. This includes six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields and a Champions League. He has also been named Premier League Player of the Season twice (2019-20, 2021-22).
He said in a post on social media on Friday: “Seeing this, you probably realize where this is heading. 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.”
De Bruyne joined City as a 24-year-old from Wolfsburg in 2015. Over the following decade, established himself as one of the Premier League’s best-ever midfielders.
Guardiola told a news conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at Manchester United: “One of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country, and I think with Manchester City, there is no doubt.
“Greatest not The Greatest. always you have to be careful with players that played at Maine Road [City’s former stadium], incredible players in the last 20-30 years in this club.
“But come on, there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure because of his consistency in important games and the not important games. Being there every three days all the time. There is no doubt.
“The Spaniard added that he had known about De Bruyne’s departure a few days before it was announced, though Friday’s news still carried a bittersweet feeling.
“A sad day. A happy day for the fact that [I had] the pleasure personally [to] live with him. He gave all of us his humility and with his influence in our success in the last decade, that would have been impossible to imagine without him.”
Kevin De Bruyne has been a key player for Manchester City during their successful era. He has made 413 appearances for the club, scoring 106 goals and providing 174 assists.
De Bruyne’s incredible playmaking ability has created 826 chances for his teammates since joining City in 2015. This is almost 300 more than any other Premier League player. Christian Eriksen is second on the list with 532 chances created.
In addition to his assists, De Bruyne has also contributed to 187 goals for City since 2015. This ranks fourth behind Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, and Son Heung-Min. Despite being sidelined for a period in September and struggling to regain full fitness, De Bruyne has featured in 20 league matches this season.
De Bruyne’s future at City is currently uncertain, with links to moves to the MLS and Saudi Pro League. However, he could still end his time at City with more silverware. The club is set to play Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semifinals later this month, providing De Bruyne with an opportunity to add to his trophy collection.
© Copyrights Sixsports. All Rights Reserved.
