Kevin de Bruyne has announced that he will leave Manchester City when his contract with the club expires at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old Belgium midfielder released a statement on social media on Friday to confirm the decision to quit the English Premier League club he joined from Wolfsburg in 2015.
De Bruyne has won 16 trophies since his move to City, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2023 as well as two FA Cups and five League Cups.
He has scored 106 goals in 413 appearances in all competitions for City, but has started just 19 games this season.
In his statement on his social media accounts, 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.
“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.”
De Bruyne, who is Manchester City’s current captain, has struggled for form and fitness this season, mirroring the club’s inconsistent performances and results as they dropped out of the Premier League title race and crashed out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
