Kevin de Bruyne, the skipper of Manchester City, plans to depart from the club once this season concludes, marking an end to his 10-year tenure filled with accolades at the Etihad Stadium.
The Belgian midfielder affirmed via a social media update that he will conclude his extended tenure with the team once his contract ends this summer.
In a message addressed to the team’s supporters, De Bruyne penned: "Esteemed Fans, Manchester Seeing this, you likely understand where things are going. To cut to the chase, I want to inform everyone that these will be my last few months with Manchester City.
Writing this isn’t simple at all, yet as footballers, we’re aware that this moment will inevitably arrive. This time has come—and I believe you should hear it directly from me.
Soccer brought me to all of you – and to this city. Pursuing my ambition, without realizing how much it would transform my life. This city. This team. These individuals... provided me with everything. So, I couldn’t help but pour myself into giving back! And can you believe it? We claimed every title.
No matter how much we may resist, it’s time to bid farewell. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I feel an immense sense of gratitude towards this location as it holds a special place in our family history. ‘Manchester’ will eternally mark our children's passports—and even more so—our collective memories. It will remain deeply rooted in all our hearts.
I can't express enough gratitude to the city, team, colleagues, friends, and relatives for these past ten years. Although every tale must conclude, this one was undoubtedly the most remarkable part.
Let's make the most of these final moments with us! Lots of love, KDB.
In 2015, the player, aged 33 at the time, joined City in a transfer worth £54 million from the German team VfL Wolfsburg. Since then, he has established himself as one of the club’s finest and most successful athletes, netting over 100 goals across his 413 matches played. His total of 118 assists ranks him just behind Ryan Giggs of Manchester United on the all-time list of Premier League assist providers.
Over his ten-year tenure with Manchester City, Kevin de Bruyne has contributed significantly to the team’s success, helping them secure six Premier League championships – notably winning the past four consecutively, setting an English football record. Additionally, he has played a key role in their victories of five EFL Cups, two FA Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup, and various other trophies. Uefa Champions League — the first in the club’s history.
The former Chelsea midfielder is the only player in City's squad who predates manager Pep Guardiola's arrival at the club in 2016, a union that has made the club the most dominant force in English football over the past decade.
Rumors about De Bruyne's future have intensified throughout the season, with speculations suggesting potential moves to either Saudi Arabia or the United States for what could be a substantial contract.
His impact from the sidelines has diminished due to fitness problems having an effect over the last couple of seasons.