MANCHESTER: Kevin De Bruyne was hailed by Pep Guardiola as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats after the 33-year-old Belgian midfielder announced on Friday he will leave Man­c­hester City at the end of the season.

De Bruyne has lifted 16 trophies since joining City from German side VfL Wolfsburg in 2015 a haul that includes six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. He has also been named the Premier League Player of the Season twice.

“I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player,” De Bruyne said in a post on social media.

“Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day 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.”

There has been speculation about De Bruyne’s future at the club for months as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Prem­ier League history, De Bruyne has been central to City’s success but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.

“Manchester City will bid an emotional farewell to Kevin De Bruyne this summer when his contract expires, bri­n­ging an end to a glittering 10-year per­iod at the club.” City said in a statement.

“The club and all of our fans will now take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League.”

De Bruyne has featured in 20 league matches this campaign, having been sidelined by a setback in September and difficulties in regaining full fitness.

In total, he has played 413 matches for the club in all competitions, scoring 106 goals and providing 174 assists. His role as a playmaker has earned him the second-most assists in Premier League history with 118, behind Ryan Giggs (162).

Despite a disappointing season, De Bruyne still has the chance to add another trophy to his collection, with an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest scheduled for April 26.

“He’s one of the greatest we’ve ever seen,” said City manager Guardiola. “His assists, his goals, his vision in the final third, it’s so difficult to replace. What he’s done here for the past decade has been outstanding.”

De Bruyne’s contract is due to expire at the end of June but it remains unclear whether he will continue to see out his days as a City player at the Club World Cup, which runs from June 14 until July 13.

“Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter,” De Bruyne, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer, added. “Let’s enjoy these last moments together!”

After breaking through at Genk in his homeland, De Bruyne’s first experience of the Premier League did not go well as he was discarded by Chelsea after just nine appearances for the Blues.

A move to Wolfsburg kickstarted his career as he was crowned German player of the season in 2014/15 as his side finished second in the Bundesliga.

City’s 55 million ($72 million) move to bring him to Manchester was questioned at the time given De Bruyne’s struggles at Chelsea.

But he quickly proved his critics wrong and became an integral part of the side that under Guardiola enjoyed one of the most dominant stretches of success English football has ever seen.

City became the first English top-flight team to register 100 points in winning Guardiola’s first title in 2017/18.

A first ever domestic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup followed in 2018/19.

City then matched Manchester United’s feat as the only English side to win the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 2022/23. They also became the first club to win four consecutive English top-flight titles last season.

“We’ve won a lot of trophies and he’s been involved in every single one,” added Guardiola.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2025