Kevin De Bruyne has expressed his surprise after learning that his illustrious Manchester City career will come to an end at the conclusion of the current season. The Belgian midfielder, who joined the club from German side Wolfsburg in 2015, has been a key figure in Manchester City’s success under manager Pep Guardiola. However, after a season of injury struggles and inconsistent form, De Bruyne will leave the Etihad Stadium, bringing down the curtain on a decade-long tenure filled with triumph.
The 33-year-old has been at the heart of Manchester City’s incredible run of achievements, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and the prestigious 2023 UEFA Champions League, which capped off a remarkable treble-winning season. Despite his pivotal role in the team, it was hinted by Guardiola that the decision to part ways with De Bruyne was influenced by his recent injury problems and declining performances. City, who were dethroned as Premier League champions this season, are now focusing on securing a spot in the Champions League for the 15th consecutive year.
De Bruyne admitted that the news of his departure came as a shock, revealing that he had not received any offer for a new contract throughout the year. “They just took a decision,” he explained, reflecting on the club’s decision. “Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.”
Despite his shock, De Bruyne remains confident in his ability to perform at the highest level. He believes that if City’s form had been better this season and he had been able to return to his usual levels of performance, the decision might have been different. “Maybe if the team didn’t struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal, then maybe they take another decision,” he said.
De Bruyne, who has been in good form lately, is focused on securing City’s place in the Champions League next season, and he has not yet decided what his next move will be. He has already been linked with potential transfers to Major League Soccer in the United States, but has not ruled out staying in the Premier League or joining a top European club. “I feel like I still have a lot to give,” he said. “Obviously, I know I’m not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job. I’m open for anything. I have to look at the whole picture. I’m looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family.”
Despite the impending end of his City career, De Bruyne still feels motivated by the challenge of competing at the highest level. “I like to compete. That’s what I feel so I can’t say that I want to quit because I still feel that whenever I’m in training I want to beat the guys,” he remarked. His passion for the game remains undiminished, and it’s clear that he still has the desire to contribute at the top level of football.
During Manchester City’s 2-0 win against Everton, De Bruyne received a rare gesture of appreciation from the opposition fans, who applauded him as he was substituted. “It’s something really rare to come out and get an applause from another team so I just want to say thank you to them. I think they appreciate the way that I play,” De Bruyne said, acknowledging the respect shown to him by the Everton supporters. It was a fitting tribute to a player whose legacy at City will undoubtedly live on long after his departure.
