Kevin De Bruyne drops bombshell statement on Man City future
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has decided against a new deal to bring to an end ten glorious years
Kevin De Bruyne has announced he is leaving Manchester City at the end of the season. Arguably the greatest player to feature for the club will say goodbye in summer once his contract runs out to bring to an end 10 years at the Etihad.
Signed from Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne quickly became a fan favourite and established himself as the best player in the Premier League. He has won six league titles under Pep Guardiola and countless other honours, as well as a number of individual prizes. He currently holds the record with Thierry Henry for the most assists in a season.
‌
Article continues below
Injuries have hampered him since 2023 though, when he battled through a hamstring injury to help the Blues to an historic Treble. He broke down again on his comeback at the beginning of the 2023/24 season and an innocuous injury this term that he thought would keep him out for days instead cost him more than three months.
De Bruyne had been open to staying with a new deal, but had shelved contract talks until he was in better form. He has featured less and less for the team over the second half of the season. With the end of the campaign approaching, De Bruyne shared a statement on social media to announce his departure.
"Dear Manchester," he wrote. "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.
"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.
"Whether we like it or not, it's time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family.
"'Manchester' will forever be on our kids' passports— and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.
‌
"We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.
"Let's enjoy these last moments together! Much love, Kdb."
Guardiola will respond to the news when he addresses the media ahead of their Premier League game with United on Friday. De Bruyne will be in contention to start that game, and has many matchwinning turns at Old Trafford to look back on.
Article continues below
City and De Bruyne are ending to aim the season on a high with qualification for the Champions League next season and victory in an FA Cup. Success at Wembley would be De Bruyne's 17th trophy of a glittering City career.