Kevin De Bruyne, one of the most decorated and influential midfielders in Premier League history, has officially announced that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season. The 33-year-old Belgian playmaker, who has been a cornerstone of City’s success, took to social media to confirm the decision, expressing gratitude for his time at the club.
In an emotional post on X, De Bruyne addressed City supporters directly: “Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading… So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player. Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.”
Having joined from Wolfsburg in 2015 for €55 million, De Bruyne has cemented his place as a City legend, winning 19 major honors, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first-ever Champions League trophy.
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Pep Guardiola Pays Emotional Tribute
Following De Bruyne’s announcement, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola paid a heartfelt tribute to the Belgian, describing him as one of the greatest midfielders to have ever played in England. Addressing the media on Friday, Guardiola acknowledged De Bruyne’s immense contribution to the club and insisted that he will always be part of the City family. “I read this week that he’s been involved in 280 goals and assists, and in the Premier League, he is one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country and for this club – there is no doubt,” Guardiola declared.
He further praised De Bruyne’s consistency and ability to perform at the highest level: “For his consistency, except the last year, year and a half, due to injury problems. The consistency in important games and not important games, every three days being there all the time. There’s no doubt.”
The City boss emphasized how difficult it will be to replace the Belgian’s unique qualities: “His assists, goals, vision in the final third is so difficult to replace. Everyone can make actions for assists, [it’s] how many years and games that makes him unique.”
Guardiola also reassured De Bruyne that he will always have a place at Manchester City: “We remember him as part of this club and the statement he has done to the Club, what he said to him the door is open for the rest of his life. Whatever he wants to do here or another part, he’s part of the family of this club.”
Uncertain Future Beyond Manchester
While De Bruyne has confirmed his departure, questions remain regarding his next move. The Belgian previously hinted at a potential switch to the Saudi Pro League, where clubs are offering lucrative contracts to top European talents. Speaking about his future in 2024, he admitted: “At my age you have to be open to everything… You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the end of my career. If I play there for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money.”
However, no official decision has been made regarding his next destination, and with his contract expiring in June, many top clubs in Europe and beyond are expected to compete for his signature.
Club World Cup Availability Remains in Doubt
With City’s season still ongoing, there is uncertainty over whether De Bruyne will be available for the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled from mid-June to mid-July. Pep Guardiola, addressing the situation, stated: “He has to decide… The club have to talk to him, and he has to say what he wants to do.”
De Bruyne’s current contract expires at the end of June, meaning City would need to negotiate an extension if they want him to participate in the tournament. Given his recent injury struggles and Guardiola’s need for physically resilient players, his availability remains in question.
A Fitting Farewell?
Before bidding farewell, De Bruyne has the opportunity to add more silverware to his collection. Manchester City remain contenders in multiple competitions, including the FA Cup, where they face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals. A victory would set up a potential final showdown, giving the Belgian an emotional send-off.
Reflecting on his decade-long stay, De Bruyne expressed his deep connection to the city and its people: “Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.”
As the curtain closes on an extraordinary chapter, Manchester City fans will undoubtedly cherish the final moments of De Bruyne in sky blue, celebrating the legacy of a player who gave everything to the club.
Read More: Manchester City Set for Major Squad Overhaul with 10 Players on the Exit List
FAQs
When is Kevin De Bruyne leaving Manchester City?
Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City at the end of the 2024-25 season when his contract expires in June.
Why is Kevin De Bruyne leaving Manchester City?
De Bruyne cited the natural progression of a footballer’s career as the reason for his departure, stating, “As players, we all know this day eventually comes.”
What has Pep Guardiola said about De Bruyne’s departure?
Guardiola paid an emotional tribute, calling De Bruyne “one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in England” and confirmed that he will always have a place in the City family.
Will Kevin De Bruyne play in the Club World Cup for Manchester City?
His participation in the FIFA Club World Cup (June-July 2025) remains uncertain, with Guardiola stating, “He has to decide.”
Where will Kevin De Bruyne play next?
While De Bruyne has not confirmed his next move, he previously expressed openness to a potential transfer to Saudi Arabia, citing financial incentives.
