Kevin De Bruyne announces Man City exit with emotional statement | Football
Kevin De Bruyne has announced he will leave Manchester City in the summer after 10 years at the Premier League champions.
There had been much speculation surrounding the future of the midfielder who is out of contract at the end of the season and is linked with a lucrative transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
The 33-year-old put talks over a new deal on hold back in November and in February, manager Pep Guardiola said he would like De Bruyne to stay at the Etihad but added that his future was in his own hands.
Having just become City captain following the departure of Kyle Walker in January, and given his status as one of the Premier League and world’s best players, supporters hoped that he would extend his stay in Manchester for another year at least, even if he has struggled with injury issues of late.
But in a statement on social media on Friday, De Bruyne 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.
Get personalised updates on Manchester City every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
‘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, Michele, 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”.’
It is not known however when exactly De Bruyne will depart the Etihad given that his contract expires on June 30, midway through the upcoming Club World Cup tournament that City are participating in.
It has been reported that the Belgian international could, along with other out of contract stars like Ilkay Gundogan, sign short-term extensions to their deals which would allow them to play until the final on July 13, should the Citizens make it that far.
De Bruyne signed for City in 2015 from Wolfsburg for a then-club record £55million, a transfer that was questioned by some after he struggled to make an impression at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho.
But he will now go down as one of the greatest Premier League players of all-time and arguably the best midfielder of his generation, having won six league titles, two FA Cups, the Champions League and five League Cups.
He was part of the treble-winning side of 2023, twice won Premier League Player of the Season and has the second-most assists in the competition’s history (118), only behind Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs.
While City are set to relinquish the Premier League title to Liverpool this season, De Bruyne can leave the club on a high with FA Cup and Club World Cup glory still on offer.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Gary Neville makes prediction for Man Utd vs Man City Premier League clash
MORE: James Tarkowski’s wife condemns ‘vile’ abuse and death threats after Liverpool challenge
MORE: Justin Kluivert injury update ahead of West Ham v Bournemouth Premier League clash
Kevin De Bruyne announces Man City exit with emotional statement | Football
#Kevin #Bruyne #announces #Man #City #exit #emotional #statement #Football
