Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the current season, bringing an end to a remarkable decade-long tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
The Belgian midfielder, one of the club’s most influential players, confirmed that he would not be renewing his contract, which expires this summer.
In an emotional message shared with City fans on Friday, De Bruyne expressed his gratitude for the past 10 years and confirmed that these final months would be his last with the club.
“Dear Manchester, seeing this, you probably realize where this is heading,” he wrote. “So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.
This will always be our HOME. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride.”
De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an era for Manchester City, as he has been at the heart of the club’s success since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015 for a then-club record fee of £52 million.
Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in City’s dominance in English football, helping them secure six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and the crowning achievement—the UEFA Champions League in 2023, which completed a historic Treble.
With 413 appearances for Manchester City, De Bruyne has scored 106 goals and delivered an impressive 174 assists across all competitions.
His contributions on the pitch, both in terms of goals and assists, have solidified his place as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
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In his farewell message, De Bruyne reflected on his journey, acknowledging the special bond he shares with the club and its supporters.
“Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter,” he wrote. “Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, KDB.”
The announcement has left fans across the globe in shock, as De Bruyne’s brilliance has been integral to City’s success over the years.
