Kevin De Bruyne’s impending departure from Manchester City marks the end of an era for both the player and the club. After a glittering 10-year career with City, where he helped the team secure 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League, De Bruyne has become one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders. His contribution on the field has been immense, with a record 117 Premier League assists and 827 chances created since joining the club from Wolfsburg in 2015.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, De Bruyne expressed his gratitude for the city and the club that gave him everything, noting that Manchester would always hold a special place in his heart. His journey at City is celebrated not only for his exceptional performances but also for his leadership, vision, and ability to dictate games at the highest level. The midfielder’s role in City’s successful periods, including their historic Champions League win, further solidified his legacy.
However, injuries in recent years have hampered his availability, with De Bruyne missing significant portions of seasons, including almost five months in the previous year. Despite this, his influence on the pitch remains undiminished, and his record-breaking numbers, including 20 assists in a single Premier League season and three Playmaker awards, speak volumes about his consistency and talent.
City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed De Bruyne as one of the best to ever play in the Premier League, and the club plans a “fitting tribute” to him before the end of the season. The Belgian has also expressed openness to a potential move, with links to Saudi Arabia last summer, though nothing is certain regarding his next destination.
De Bruyne’s departure from City is emotional not only for the player but also for the fans, marking the end of one of the club’s most successful periods. As he prepares to leave, Manchester City will likely enter a new phase, but De Bruyne’s impact on the team will remain significant for years to come.