Kevin De Bruyne’s Departure: The End of an Era at Manchester City

MANCHESTER, England — Kevin De Bruyne has announced he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the club’s history. The 33-year-old midfielder, a pivotal figure at City since joining in 2015, disclosed his decision on Friday through social media.

De Bruyne’s exit follows a string of injuries and inconsistent form, raising questions about his future. He has achieved incredible success during his tenure, contributing to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and one UEFA Champions League. His 118 Premier League assists place him second on the league’s all-time list, trailing only Ryan Giggs.

“Kevin has been sensational; he has brought everything to this City side,” said Michael Brown, a former Tottenham and Manchester City midfielder, on BBC Football News Show. “It’s a sad day, and he is right at the top of the greatest ever lists.”

Brown emphasized the scrutiny De Bruyne faced when he first arrived for what some deemed an excessive fee. “He was written off as a ‘£55 million flop,’ but he’s answered it ten-fold,” Brown added. “His ability to supply assists, with a total of 174 across all competitions, is absolutely incredible.”

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given echoed these sentiments, stating on BBC Radio 5 Live, “Words can’t explain what Kevin brought to the club. What he’s done for Manchester City puts him among the very best,” highlighting the special talent and vision De Bruyne has displayed on the pitch.

BBC Radio Manchester reporter Mike Minay noted that De Bruyne is the only player remaining from the team before Pep Guardiola‘s arrival as manager. “His departure takes nothing away from what he has achieved, earning every accolade along the way,” Minay said. The midfielder’s remarkable journey includes three selections to the UEFA Team of the Year, two PFA Player of the Year awards, and four Manchester City Players of the Year.

With an impressive reputation for creating game-changing moments, De Bruyne continues to be a focal point for City’s play. On the 2023-24 season’s return from a six-month injury layoff, he finished as the club’s highest assist-maker yet again. “He leaves having paid back every penny of that transfer fee and more, a true legend,” Minay concluded.

As De Bruyne prepares for what is expected to be his final Manchester derby this Sunday against Manchester United, his storied legacy remains in the hearts of fans and players alike. He has scored three goals and assisted in six derbies so far, with an opportunity to add to those stats in this match.

Simon Stone, BBC Sport’s chief football news reporter, remarked on De Bruyne’s potential impact during his farewell tour. “This derby means everything despite the clubs’ current standings,” he said. Both Manchester clubs are battling for points, and this match presents City a chance to reclaim local bragging rights following losses to their rivals in recent encounters.

With the atmosphere charged and emotions high, fans can expect to witness a spectacular farewell performance, one that reflects Kevin De Bruyne’s indelible mark on Manchester City’s history. As one of his colleagues succinctly put it, “When City needed a goal, he would step up.”