Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has announced that he will be leaving the club at the expiration of his contract this summer.
“I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player,” the 33-year-old revealed in a post on social media. “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.”
The Belgian midfielder added, “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. Every story comes to an end but this has definitely been the best chapter.”
The Belgian playmaker, who joined the Cityzens in 2015 from German Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg for £55 million, helped City to six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League in 2023 as well as the UEFA Super Cup, League Cup, FA Cup, FA Community Shield and the FIFA Club World Cup crowns.
City manager Pep Guardiola also praised de Bruyne: “It’s a sad day and a happy day for the pleasure we lived this time together, what he gave to all of us.”
“He is one of the greatest midfielders that have played in this country. There is no doubt.”
Guardiola also admitted he was unsure if De Bruyne would leave at the end of the domestic season or stay on for the FIFA Club World Cup holding in the USA this summer, as his contract is due to expire midway through the tournament which runs from June to July.
The Spanish tactician added: “I don’t know. He has to decide. The club have to talk to him and he has to say what he wants to do.”
De Bruyne has featured less over the past two seasons for the Cityzens due to injury and fitness concerns, leading to speculation surrounding his future.
However, he will leave the Etihad Stadium having been one of the most influential players in the club’s history.