Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season when his contract ends.
The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder shared the news in an emotional message on social media, saying, “Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.”
De Bruyne joined Manchester City from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £55 million and quickly became one of the club’s most important players. In 10 years, he won 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2023.
He scored 106 goals in 413 games for City and made a huge impact in midfield. He also provided the most assists in the Premier League since 2015, with 117, and created 827 chances and 193 big chances.
“This city. This club. These people gave me everything. I had no choice but to give everything back. And guess what – we won everything,” De Bruyne wrote.
He added, “Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye… Manchester will forever be on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts.”
Manchester City called him “a global icon of the game” and said the club is planning a “fitting tribute” to honour him before the season ends.
The club said in a statement: “Manchester City will bid an emotional farewell to Kevin De Bruyne this summer when his contract expires… 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.”
Although De Bruyne was once linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, he said last summer that he was “open to everything” as he recovered from a thigh injury.
In recent years, he has struggled with injuries and has only started 19 matches this season.
City manager Pep Guardiola, who joined in 2016, played a key role in turning De Bruyne into one of the best midfielders in the world.
De Bruyne has the second-most assists in Premier League history, just behind Ryan Giggs (162). He also holds the joint record for most assists in a single season (20) and has won the Premier League Playmaker award three times.
As City aim to finish the season strong, fans will now prepare to say goodbye to one of their greatest-ever players.
