Kevin de Bruyne to Depart Manchester City After a Decade
Kevin de Bruyne's Departure Announcement
Kevin de Bruyne has confirmed that he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the current season, marking the conclusion of a remarkable ten-year tenure with the club. Despite his recent impressive performances and the praise from manager Pep Guardiola, the club has decided not to renew his contract, leaving fans speculating about the future of the Belgian star.
A Legacy of Success
Since joining Manchester City from Chelsea in 2015, de Bruyne has become one of the club's most celebrated players, amassing 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory. His departure is a significant moment for the club, as they prepare to say goodbye to one of their all-time greats when his contract expires in June.
Reflections on His Time at City
Following a recent match where he scored the decisive goal against Wolves, de Bruyne expressed his surprise at not receiving a new contract, emphasizing that he still has much to offer the team. He stated, "I don't know about the future unfortunately. I have shown I can still play here, otherwise I wouldn't be performing at this level over the past few weeks."
Guardiola's Praise and Future Prospects
Pep Guardiola praised de Bruyne's contributions, stating, "He doesn’t have to prove anything. I know his quality and everything. I just say thank you." Guardiola acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player of de Bruyne's caliber, highlighting his importance to the team's success over the years.
Final Matches and Future Opportunities
As de Bruyne prepares for his final matches with Manchester City, he will play against Fulham at Craven Cottage and make his last appearance at the Etihad Stadium against Bournemouth. Fans are expected to give him a heartfelt farewell, recognizing his deep connection with the club. His future remains uncertain, with lucrative offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer (MLS) already on the table.
Potential Moves After Departure
De Bruyne is likely to leave Manchester City on a free transfer, with clubs like Inter Miami CF, New York City FC, D.C. United, and Chicago Fire showing strong interest. Reports indicate that he has already engaged in discussions with Chicago Fire, as Saudi Arabian clubs continue to target top international players, viewing de Bruyne as a significant addition to elevate their league's profile.