Kevin De Bruyne Announces Departure from Manchester City After Iconic Tenure

MANCHESTER, England — Kevin De Bruyne, the celebrated midfielder for Manchester City, has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season. The Belgian international confirmed his departure in an emotional post on social media on Friday, stating these are his “final months” with the Premier League champions.

De Bruyne, 33, joined Manchester City from VfL Wolfsburg in 2015 and has since become one of the club’s most vital players. Under his influence, City has secured a remarkable 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and their first Champions League trophy in 2023. His contract is set to expire at the end of June, making him a free agent.

“Seeing this, you probably realize where this is heading,” De Bruyne 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.” He added, “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.”

Throughout his tenure, De Bruyne has made 413 appearances for City, notching 106 goals and 174 assists. His impact on the pitch has earned him recognition as one of the best players in Premier League history, having been named Premier League Player of the Season twice.

In his statement, De Bruyne expressed gratitude to the city and the club. “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. He also acknowledged the support of his family, stating, “‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports — and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our home.”

De Bruyne’s farewell marks the end of an era for one of the club’s most influential players. His role diminished in recent seasons due to injuries, with only 19 starts in 31 appearances this season and limited participation following a hamstring surgery that sidelined him for four months during the 2023-24 season.

Despite these challenges, De Bruyne’s legacy at the club remains untouched. He has been a vital player during City’s treble-winning campaign last season, including a standout performance in the Champions League final.

“Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye,” he stated in his emotional announcement. The midfielder’s contract technically ends on June 30, coinciding with the Club World Cup set to take place from June 14 to July 13, raising questions about his potential involvement.

As Manchester City prepares for a future without their talisman, they will undoubtedly reflect on De Bruyne’s illustrious contributions as they search for a successor to one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.