'Like it or not' - Man City hero announces he's leaving this summer as he prepares for final Man Utd clash
Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne is leaving the club after 10 years
Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he will be leaving the club this summer when his contract comes to an end. The player has confirmed his decision ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, with the contest at Old Trafford to be his final game against Manchester United in a City shirt.
De Bruyne has been linked with a move to the MLS with his contract the Etihad Stadium set to run out later this year. The Belgian midfielder has been instrumental to the success of the club under Pep Guardiola, with City winning six Premier League titles in seven years while also lifting the Champions League in 2023 along with several domestic cup triumphs.
Kevin De Bruyne announces Man City departure
Announcing his decision on social media, De Bruyne said: “Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all now 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 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.”
He added: “Every story has to come to an end but this has definitely been the best chapter.”
Kevin De Bruyne Man City career and likely next club
The 33-year-old has won 16 trophies since his arrival from Wolfsburg back in 2015. He has scored 106 goals in 413 appearances for the club while also providing an astonishing 174 assists. He was named PFA Player of the Year in 2020 and 2021.
De Bruyne has been strongly linked with moves to the MLS and Saudi Arabia. Four Four Two reported in mid-March that a move to the United States was the midfielder’s preference with San Diego FC named as a potential destination.
Meanwhile, Foot Mercato has reported that De Bruyne has held talks with Neom SC, who play in the second tier in Saudi Arabia. Whatever club signs De Bruyne will do so on a free transfer as he prepares to depart City as a free agent.