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Kevin De Bruyne to Leave Man City: A Farewell to a Club Legend
Apr
End of an Era at Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne has officially announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the 2024-25 season, bringing an end to a remarkable decade with the club. The Belgian playmaker, whose contract expires this summer, shared an emotional message on social media, confirming that his time with the reigning Premier League champions is coming to a close.
“Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here,” De Bruyne wrote.
A Decade of Dominance
Since joining Manchester City from Wolfsburg in 2015 for approximately $71 million. De Bruyne has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history. His time at the Etihad has been nothing short of extraordinary, with 16 major trophies won, including:
- Six Premier League titles
- Two FA Cups
- Five League Cups
- One Champions League
Reflecting on his journey, De Bruyne expressed gratitude to the club and its fans. “This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what — we won EVERYTHING,” he wrote.
Guardiola’s Tribute to a Premier League Great
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described De Bruyne’s departure as a “sad day” for the club and hailed him as one of the best midfielders to have ever played in the Premier League.
“In the Premier League, he is one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country and I think in this club (there) is no doubt,” Guardiola said. “His assists, his goals, his vision in the final third—that is so difficult to replace.”
With 118 assists in the league, De Bruyne is second only to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs (162) on the all-time list. Remarkably, he achieved this in just 280 appearances, compared to Giggs’ 632 matches.
A Career That Almost Took a Different Path
De Bruyne’s career could have looked very different had he stayed at Chelsea, the club he initially joined from Genk in 2012. However, limited playing time led him to seek opportunities elsewhere, moving to Wolfsburg in 2014. His impressive performances in Germany convinced Manchester City to make him their record signing—a decision that would change the course of the club’s history.
Over his time at City, De Bruyne played 413 matches across all competitions, scored 106 goals, and was twice named PFA Player of the Year in England.
What’s Next for De Bruyne?
De Bruyne has yet to confirm whether he will participate in Manchester City’s Club World Cup campaign in June and July in the United States. Guardiola acknowledged that the decision would ultimately rest with De Bruyne.
“He has to decide, it’s a new competition. I hope he can continue to play football in another place. It depends on risk and contracts for the future,” Guardiola said.
As De Bruyne prepares for the next chapter of his career, one thing is certain—his legacy at Manchester City is secured. A club legend, a Premier League icon, and one of the finest midfielders of his generation. De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of a golden era for City and their fans.
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