Kevin De Bruyne, the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield and arguably the club’s greatest ever player, has officially confirmed that he will be leaving the Etihad Stadium at the end of this season. The 33-year-old Belgian international, whose contract expires this summer, made the emotional announcement in a heartfelt letter to Manchester City fans, revealing that these would be his final months as a Manchester City player after a decade-long spell at the club. In his message, De Bruyne expressed his gratitude to the club, the city, and its supporters for the incredible journey they had shared.
The announcement came as a shock to many, especially given that De Bruyne has been a pivotal figure in City’s success over the past ten years. His decision to leave comes after a remarkable period in which he helped the club win a plethora of trophies, including six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy. These accolades cemented his legacy as one of the Premier League’s greatest players of all time.
De Bruyne’s move to Manchester City in 2015 for a then-club record fee of £54 million from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg was seen by many as a bold step, but few could have predicted the level of success that would follow. Initially, many doubted his ability to succeed in the Premier League, especially after a disappointing stint at Chelsea earlier in his career. However, De Bruyne proved those doubters wrong and went on to become a key figure in the City midfield, orchestrating play with his vision, creativity, and pinpoint passing. His ability to dictate games and his incredible work ethic earned him a reputation as one of the best playmakers in world football.
Over the years, De Bruyne accumulated numerous individual honors, including two PFA Player of the Year awards in 2020 and 2021. He was also named the Premier League Playmaker of the Season three times, a testament to his ability to create chances and provide assists for his teammates. His 280 goal contributions during his time at City—comprising both goals and assists—are a remarkable achievement and highlight his importance to the team. De Bruyne was also instrumental in City’s Champions League victory, a triumph that had eluded the club for so long, and it was fitting that he was at the heart of their most historic achievement.
Despite his individual success, De Bruyne has always been humble, often placing the team’s success above his own personal accolades. His commitment to City was unwavering, and his performances on the pitch consistently set a standard for his teammates to follow. However, after ten years at the club, De Bruyne has decided that the time has come for him to embark on a new challenge, bringing an end to one of the most successful and transformative periods in the club’s history.
In his statement, De Bruyne reflected on his journey and the immense impact Manchester City had on both his personal and professional life. “Football led me to all of you—and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life,” he wrote. “This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what? We won EVERYTHING.”
De Bruyne’s emotional farewell was not just about football; it was also about the bond he had formed with the city and the people of Manchester. “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,” he added, underscoring the personal connection he and his family had developed with the city.
While his departure marks the end of an era at Manchester City, De Bruyne’s legacy will endure for years to come. His impact on the club cannot be overstated; he helped elevate City to the pinnacle of English and European football, and his influence on the pitch was immeasurable. His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, and it is unclear whether City will be able to find a player who can replicate his ability to control games and create opportunities for others.
As for his future, De Bruyne has been heavily linked with a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), with reports suggesting that he could join the new franchise in San Diego. His camp has reportedly held talks with the American side, and he is seen as a marquee signing for the MLS, especially given his global recognition and status. De Bruyne has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, where several top European players have made the switch in recent years, drawn by lucrative contracts. Another possibility is a return to Belgium, where his former club Genk has been mentioned as a potential destination.
The odds seem to favour De Bruyne heading to MLS, with bookmakers listing him as a strong favorite to make the move to the United States for the final chapter of his illustrious career. However, the allure of playing in Saudi Arabia or a potential return to Belgium cannot be ruled out, and De Bruyne’s next move will undoubtedly be one of the most closely followed stories in football this summer.
For Manchester City, the departure of Kevin De Bruyne will be a significant loss, not only in terms of his on-field contributions but also his leadership and presence in the dressing room. As the club’s captain, De Bruyne has been a talismanic figure, a player who could inspire those around him with his performances and his unwavering dedication to the cause. His exit leaves a leadership void that will need to be filled by someone else, and it will be interesting to see how City cope with his absence going forward.
City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has always praised De Bruyne’s qualities, both as a player and as a person. Under Guardiola, De Bruyne has flourished, becoming the focal point of City’s attacking play and playing a key role in their domestic and European successes. Guardiola will be hoping that the club can continue to maintain its high standards without De Bruyne, but it is clear that the Belgian will be sorely missed.
As De Bruyne bids farewell to Manchester City, the club and its supporters will undoubtedly be filled with a sense of gratitude for the incredible moments he provided during his time at the Etihad. From his stunning goals to his breathtaking assists, De Bruyne has delivered some of the most memorable performances in the club’s history, and his legacy will be remembered by generations of City fans.
In his final message to the fans, De Bruyne urged them to enjoy the remaining time they have together, saying, “Let’s enjoy these last moments together!” His heartfelt farewell is a reminder of the special bond that exists between a player and the supporters, and it is clear that De Bruyne will leave a lasting impact on Manchester City, both on and off the pitch.
As De Bruyne prepares for the next chapter of his career, Manchester City will be tasked with moving forward without their talismanic captain. The club will need to find a way to fill the void left by De Bruyne, both in terms of his footballing ability and his leadership qualities. It will be a difficult task, but one that City will have to tackle as they continue to strive for more success in the future.
For now, though, De Bruyne’s final months at Manchester City will be a time for fans to cherish the last moments with one of the greatest players to ever wear the club’s colours. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for both De Bruyne and Manchester City. Whatever the future holds, there is no doubt that Kevin De Bruyne’s name will forever be etched in the history of Manchester City, a club that he helped transform into one of the best teams in the world.
