Man City’s Midfield Magician Says Goodbye
Ten years, 18 trophies, 106 goals, and 174 assists. Kevin De Bruyne's time at Manchester City can be summed up in numbers, but his impact stretches far beyond the stat sheet. He led City to silverware time and time again, constantly rising to the occasion when it mattered most. De Bruyne didn’t just play for City, he elevated them. Arguably the greatest passer of his generation, he redefined what it meant to be a Premier League midfielder and set a new standard for creativity. Now, as he says goodbye to the Etihad, Kevin De Bruyne leaves behind a legacy that few could ever dream of.
At 33, De Bruyne now faces the end of his career. In a heartfelt message shared on Friday, he acknowledged the weight of his looming departure, writing, “Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here.” With his contract set to expire at the end of June, which falls midway through this summer's Club World Cup, it remains unclear if City will offer a short-term extension. There is hope that he’ll be given a proper farewell during the tournament in the United States. Regardless of how the final chapter unfolds, De Bruyne’s resume speaks for itself: six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five Carabao Cups, and a Champions League crown. He was also a part of the 2022/23 treble-winning campaign.
City manager Pep Guardiola described it as a “sad day” to see Kevin De Bruyne’s exit confirmed, emphasizing the magnitude of the midfielder’s contribution over the past decade. “In the Premier League, he is one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country, and I think in this club there is no doubt,” Guardiola said. He praised De Bruyne’s ability to change games in an instant, highlighting his unmatched vision, pinpoint assists, and clutch goals. For Guardiola, the loss goes beyond just losing a player, it’s the farewell of a leader, a game-changer, and someone who helped build the foundation of Manchester City's modern era.
Kevin De Bruyne is a one-of-a-kind talent. Dedicated, consistent, brilliant, even those words don’t do him justice. Every time he stepped onto the pitch, he played like it was his last. Now, that day has finally come. De Bruyne himself said it best: “This city. This club. These people... gave me everything. I had no choice but to give everything back! And guess what — we won everything.”
