Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after the expiration of his contract, bringing an end to his 10-year stay at the Etihad.
The Belgian midfielder has enjoyed a successful sojourn at the club since joining from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2015, leading them to their first-ever Champions League trophy in 2023 among many others.
De Bruyne announced his exit on social media on Friday.
He wrote: “Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.
“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, Michele, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant for 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, team-mates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride.”
Manchester City confirmed that they are planning a befitting tribute for De Bruyne before the end of the season.
The Club said: “Manchester City will bid an emotional farewell to Kevin de Bruyne this summer when his contract expires, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year period at the club.
“The Belgian, a global icon of the game, has played 413 matches for City.
“During that period, he has scored 106 times, making him the first City midfielder since Colin Bell to reach a century of goals.
“The club and all of our fans will now take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League.”
Pep Guardiola described De Bruyne as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League history.
He said: “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.
“Always when you say the greatest you have to be careful for respect for the players who played many roles and incredible players that have played the last 20 or 30 years in this Club.
“But come on, there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure.
“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.
“His assists, goals, vision in final third is so difficult to replace.
De Bruyne has struggled with injuries in the last few years, finding it difficult to keep his place in the first team.
He has scored 106 goals in 413 appearances in all competitions for City.
De Bruyne is expected to play his last match for Manchester City against Fulham on May 25 on the last day of the season.
He won 19 major trophies including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup and three Community Shields.
