Kevin De Bruyne’s announcement echoed like a parting note. After a decade of brilliance in Manchester, the Belgian playmaker confirmed it’s time to go. He’s 33 now, out of contract come summer, and leaves behind six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and countless unforgettable moments.
Pep Guardiola spoke openly about how difficult it was to share the news. “It was not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue,” he said. “He is one of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country.” De Bruyne’s 118 Premier League assists place him second only to Ryan Giggs, yet the creativity and intensity behind those numbers truly set him apart.
He arrived in 2015 for about $71 million. Back then, few imagined he would transform into one of the most complete midfielders in modern football, seamlessly blending control with unrelenting drive. Guardiola once praised his vision in the final third, saying, “His assists, his goals, his vision in the final third, that is so difficult to replace.”
A farewell and a future statue?
Pep believes the club will honor De Bruyne alongside past legends. “I will bet a lot of money that it is going to happen,” he said, hinting at a statue next to those of David Silva, Vincent Kompany, and Sergio Agüero. For fans, such recognition could never fully capture the depth of his impact, but it might stand as a tangible tribute to the man who turned impossible passes into routine brilliance.
De Bruyne himself shared his sadness, noting, “Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye.” His final matches in a City shirt will surely be emotional. The question remains whether he will appear in the Club World Cup in the United States, which runs through June and July. Guardiola admitted uncertainty: “He has to decide. It depends on risk and contracts for the future.”
In truth, De Bruyne’s influence goes well beyond the numbers. His relentless style and calm off-field demeanor made him indispensable to a team that dominated English football for nearly a decade. His imminent departure closes a monumental chapter for both player and club. Yet one thing is certain: City’s identity will forever bear his imprint.
