Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on Friday that he will depart the club at the end of the current season. The 33-year-old Belgian playmaker confirmed the news in a heartfelt social media post, marking the end of an era for one of the Premier League’s most decorated foreign stars.
De Bruyne wrote: “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.”
Since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £55 million, De Bruyne has been instrumental in City’s dominance of English football. During his tenure, he helped the club secure 14 major trophies including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and the 2023 Champions League crown. His 118 Premier League assists rank second in competition history.
Manager Pep Guardiola paid tribute to his departing star: “He’s one of the greatest we’ve ever seen. His assists, his goals, his vision in the final third, it’s so difficult to replace. What he’s done here for the past decade has been outstanding.”
While De Bruyne’s contract officially expires in June, it remains unclear whether he will participate in City’s Club World Cup campaign running from June 14 to July 13. The Belgian international has been linked with moves to either the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer in the United States.
De Bruyne’s influence has waned this season due to persistent injury problems, making just 21 starts across all competitions. His departure marks the end of a transformative period for Manchester City that saw them become the first English club to achieve 100 Premier League points (2017/18), complete a domestic treble (2018/19), and win a historic continental treble (2022/23).
The midfielder concluded his announcement: “Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together!” City currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 22 points behind leaders Liverpool.
