Kevin De Bruyne to Depart from Manchester City After Ten-Year Tenure
Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian international and revered midfielder, has officially announced that he will leave Manchester City at the conclusion of the current season. His contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire this summer, and De Bruyne confirmed his status as a free agent in a poignant message shared on social media.
A Decade of Success
Since joining Manchester City in 2015, De Bruyne has played a pivotal role in the club’s remarkable success, contributing to a tally of 16 major trophies. These include:
- Six Premier League titles
- Five Carabao Cups
- Two FA Cups
- Two Community Shields
- One UEFA Champions League title
His impressive performances earned him the award for Premier League Player of the Season twice, in the 2019-20 and 2021-22 seasons.
Personal Reflections and Future Plans
In his announcement, De Bruyne expressed his emotions regarding this transition, stating, “It’s time to say goodbye, whether we like it or not.” He acknowledged the profound impact that Manchester City and the city itself have had on his life and family, saying, “Soccer has led me to you, and this city… has given me everything.” He also shared that the memories made in Manchester would be cherished, especially with “Manchester” eternally marked in his children’s passports.
Career Statistics and Legacy
During his time at Manchester City, De Bruyne has made 413 appearances, netting 106 goals and providing 174 assists. His record places him second in all-time assists in Premier League history with 118, trailing only Ryan Giggs. Since his arrival, he has created 826 scoring opportunities, further underscoring his significance to the team’s attacking prowess.
| Season | Games Played (GP) | Goals (G) | Assists (A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 18 | 4 | 10 |
| 2022-23 | 32 | 7 | 16 |
| 2021-22 | 30 | 15 | 8 |
| 2020-21 | 25 | 6 | 12 |
| 2019-20 | 35 | 13 | 20 |
| 2018-19 | 19 | 2 | 2 |
| 2017-18 | 37 | 8 | 16 |
| 2016-17 | 36 | 6 | 18 |
| 2015-16 | 25 | 7 | 9 |
| 2013-14 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
Looking Ahead
As De Bruyne approaches his final months at Manchester City, speculation regarding his next move intensifies, with potential interests from Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Saudi Professional League. He is set to participate in the FA Cup semi-finals against Nottingham Forest soon, aiming to add one final trophy to his illustrious collection with the club.
