Kevin De Bruyne has declared his departure from Manchester City at the season`s end.
Speculation surrounding the Belgium international`s future at the Etihad Stadium has been rife for months.
His £375,000-a-week contract with the Premier League champions concludes at the end of the current season.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, the club icon confirmed that his decade-long, trophy-laden journey with the Sky Blues will conclude this summer.
The 33-year-old expressed: “Dear Manchester. As you see this, you probably understand where this is going.
“So I`ll be direct and inform you that my final months as a Manchester City player are ahead.
“Writing this isn`t easy, but as football professionals, we know this moment arrives eventually.
“That moment is now – and you deserve to hear it directly from me. Football brought me to all of you – and to this city.
“Pursuing my aspiration, unaware this period would transform my life. This city, this club, these people… gave me EVERYTHING.
“I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what – we conquered EVERYTHING.”
“Whether we like it or not, it`s time for farewell. Suri Rome, Mason, Michele, and I are deeply appreciative of what this place has meant to our family.
“Manchester will always be etched as home on our children`s passports – and more significantly, in each of our hearts. This will forever be our HOME.
“We can`t sufficiently thank the city, club personnel, teammates, friends, and family for this incredible ten-year journey.
“Every story concludes, but this chapter has undoubtedly been the most remarkable.”
“Let`s savor these remaining moments together! Much love, KDB.”
De Bruyne – widely regarded as the Premier League`s greatest midfielder ever – has been linked to several clubs.
A move to MLS with San Diego FC was rumored, but the American club has recently distanced themselves from such talks.
KDB has also attracted interest from numerous Saudi Pro League teams – including second-tier club Neom SC – over the past year.
Last summer, the midfielder hinted at a possible move to Saudi Arabia, stating: “At my age, you must consider everything.
“The financial offers are enormous at this stage of my career. Sometimes, you have to consider these aspects.”
Merson Criticism
De Bruyne joined City from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015, after reviving his career following a difficult period at Chelsea.
City paid a then club-record £55million for him, a price that many – notably Paul Merson – questioned.
However, this investment proved invaluable, as De Bruyne cemented his place as a Premier League legend.
In 413 appearances for Pep Guardiola`s side, the Belgian has scored an impressive 106 goals.
Even more impressively, he has provided a staggering 174 assists – the SECOND-MOST in Premier League history – only behind Ryan Giggs.
De Bruyne will depart the Etihad having won every major honor in English football.
He has secured six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and five League Cups.
Yet, his most cherished accomplishment at City may be lifting the Champions League trophy in the 2022/23 season, completing a historic treble.
Speaking today, City manager Guardiola hailed him as one of the greatest players ever to represent Man City.
He stated: “A sad day, yet also a happy one because of the personal joy I`ve experienced alongside him. His contribution to us all, his humanity, and undeniably his impact on our success over the past decade.
“It`s unimaginable to think of it without him. It’s a sad day as a part of us departs.”
“I read he’s been involved in 180 goals through goals and assists. He’s among the greatest midfielders to have graced this league.
“One must always respect past players from Maine Road and the last few decades, but without doubt, he is one of the greatest. Despite recent injury setbacks over the last year and a half, his consistency in vital matches every few days has been remarkable.”
Club World Cup Uncertainty
Guardiola also revealed uncertainty regarding De Bruyne`s participation in this summer`s Club World Cup.
He explained: “I`m unsure. We need discussions, particularly about extending his contract for the Club World Cup. He must decide.
“Hopefully, he continues playing elsewhere, but I don`t know. The club will engage with him, and he’ll express his desires.”
The tournament, scheduled from mid-June to mid-July, coincides with KdB`s contract expiring midway through.
Guardiola added: “It`s his first time in this competition, and initially, for the first three games, he remains under contract. But if we progress further, I`m uncertain. Kevin needs to decide, and then we`ll assess the legal feasibility.”
