Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the current season.
The Belgian midfielder’s contract with the club expires this summer, and he announced on Friday that he will move on as a free agent.
During his decade at City, De Bruyne has enjoyed a hugely successful spell, lifting 16 major trophies — including six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, and the UEFA Champions League.
The 33-year old was also named Premier League Player of the Season twice, in 2019-20 and 2021-22.
In a message shared on social media, Kevin De Bruyne said, “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.
“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, Michèle, 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.”
Kevin De Bruyne joined Man City from Wolfsburg in 2015 at the age of 24. Over the years, he developed into one of the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen.
Now 33, De Bruyne has been a key figure in City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola. In 413 appearances for the club, he has scored 106 goals and provided an incredible 174 assists.
With 118 assists in the Premier League, he stands second only to Ryan Giggs (162) in the all-time assist rankings.
Meanwhile, Manchester City recently strengthened their squad with the £50 million signing of Porto midfielder, Nico Gonzalez, pushing their total spending in the January transfer window to £180 million.