After a legendary stint spanning over a decade at Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne has officially revealed he will pursue a fresh footballing challenge once his contract expires this summer.
The Belgian maestro, who has played an instrumental role in City’s domestic and European dominance, confirmed he intends to continue his professional career elsewhere rather than hang up his boots. Despite grappling with injuries over the past year, De Bruyne remains optimistic about writing a new chapter in his storied journey.
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A Decade of Brilliance Nears Its Conclusion
Having joined Manchester City in 2015, Kevin De Bruyne quickly established himself as one of the finest playmakers of his generation. Known for his visionary passing, thunderous strikes, and composure under pressure, the 33-year-old has helped transform the club into an unstoppable force under Pep Guardiola.
With multiple Premier League crowns, domestic cups, and a UEFA Champions League title to his name, De Bruyne’s contribution to City’s golden era is undeniable. However, as the 2024–25 season nears its end, so too does the Belgian’s remarkable association with the Sky Blues.
Injury Troubles But No Desire to Retire
This season hasn’t been easy for the experienced midfielder, who has spent significant time sidelined with injuries, most notably a hernia. Yet, the veteran insists he’s not done just yet. “It’s been a hard year, having a hernia wasn’t fun, but now I’ve been pain-free for the last six weeks and that’s a massive difference; playing with pain or not… But now I feel free, I’m able to do a lot of training, and I feel I can do a good job,” he told TNT Sports.
While speculation mounts over where he might end up next, De Bruyne remains tight-lipped, simply stating that he still has a passion for the game and intends to continue performing at a high level. “I don’t know what’s going to happen but I want to play on, so we’ll see where I can end up.”
Family Comes First in Next Move
Although football remains a priority, De Bruyne emphasized that any future decision will revolve around the well-being of his loved ones. With his children born and raised in Manchester, a potential move abroad brings emotional challenges. “I don’t know how I’m going to feel [when I leave Man City],” he said. “I’ve been here so long, my family has been here for 10 years, my kids were born in Manchester, lived their whole life here.”
He further acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding his upcoming departure, revealing that while there’s excitement about the unknown, there’s also apprehension about uprooting a deeply established life. “It’s going to be something different for them. I think they’re a bit scared, excited, but it’s a bit of an unknown because we don’t know what’s going to happen for the moment.”
Eyes on a Strong Finish
Though this campaign has been less dominant for City and De Bruyne, the playmaker remains focused on finishing his journey at the club on a high note. Speaking about the club’s FA Cup ambitions, De Bruyne said: “That would be brilliant. To be in the semis again is great, we play Nottingham [Forest] who have done really well. But we’re going to try and give it our best shot of winning, and that would be really nice.”
The Citizens displayed their resolve in Saturday’s 5-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace. After going two goals down, De Bruyne sparked the turnaround with a sublime free-kick before setting up Mateo Kovacic. Young talents James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly also added their names to the scoresheet, with De Bruyne orchestrating the rhythm from midfield like old times.
The End of an Era, But Not the End of the Road
As Manchester City brace for life after Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian’s next destination remains a mystery. Whether it’s a move to another European powerhouse or a new challenge overseas, the world will be watching closely.
For now, the message is clear—Kevin De Bruyne isn’t ready to walk away from the pitch. As he put it so simply: “But I want to enjoy, play good football like I did today, and for the rest, I’ll be fine. If I can play football and my family is happy, I’m good.”
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FAQs
Where is Kevin De Bruyne going after leaving Manchester City?
Kevin De Bruyne has not yet revealed his next club but confirmed he will continue playing football after his Man City exit.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne leaving Manchester City?
De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the season, marking the end of his ten-year spell with the Premier League champions.
Is Kevin De Bruyne retiring from football?
No, De Bruyne confirmed he has no plans to retire and wants to keep playing despite recent injury setbacks.
What did Kevin De Bruyne say about his future after Manchester City?
De Bruyne told TNT Sports, “I don’t know what’s going to happen but I want to play on, so we’ll see where I can end up.”
Will Kevin De Bruyne play in the FA Cup final for Man City?
If Manchester City reach the final, De Bruyne is expected to play and hopes to win one last trophy before his departure.
