Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will leave Manchester City FC at the end of the ongoing season.
De Bruyne joined Man City in 2015 from VfL Wolfsburg and has gone on to score 106 goals and provide 174 assists in 413 appearances for the Sky Blues. With his contract expiring in the summer, and the 33-year-old having been struggling with injuries over the past two seasons, the news was imminent.
Captain of the Belgium national team and Man City, De Bruyne leaves the Etihad after a decade of remarkable success, having been pivotal to their achievements, including multiple Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy that was part of a historic treble in the 2022/23 season, among many other major honours.
De Bruyne made the following announcement on his social media, confirming the news:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking on De Bruyne, said:
“I read this week that he’s been involved in 280 goals and assists, and in the Premier League he is one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country and for this club – there is no doubt.
“Always when you say the greatest you have to be careful for respect for the players who played many roles and incredible players that have played the last 20 or 30 years in this Club. But come on, there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure. For his consistency, except the last year, year and a half, due to injury problems. The consistency in important games and not important games, every three days being there all the time. There’s no doubt. His assists, goals, vision in final third is so difficult to replace.
“Everyone can make actions for assists, [it’s] how many years and games that makes him unique. In the end this is a business, the players have to perform well and a manager has to perform well. We know that any person can discuss his performance during this decade has been outstanding.
“We’ve won a lot of trophies and he’s been involved in every single one.
“We remember him as part of this club and the statement he has done to the Club, what he said to him the door is open for the rest of his life. Whatever he wants to do here or another part, he’s part of the family of this club. The impact of some players transcends even what you’ve done on this pitch. Kevin is one of them.“
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