African trade ministers meet today over US tariffs affecting exports
De Bruyne, Man City to part ways at end of season
De Bruyne, Man City to part ways at end of season
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season, ending a decade-long stay that has cemented his place as one of the club’s greatest players.
The 33-year-old Belgian joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £55 million and has been instrumental in their dominance, winning 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. However, injuries have limited his impact this season, with just 19 starts in all competitions.
Announcing his departure, De Bruyne shared an emotional farewell message.
"Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter," he wrote.
"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.
"Whether we like it or not, it's time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant for our family. Manchester will forever be on our kids' passports - and more importantly, in each of our hearts.
"This will always be our home. We cannot thank the city, club, staff, team-mates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride."
Man City Plans Tribute to De Bruyne
Manchester City confirmed his departure and announced plans to honour him before the season ends.
"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," the club stated.
"The Belgian, a global icon of the game, has played 413 matches for City.
"During that period, he has scored 106 times, making him the first City midfielder since Colin Bell to reach a century of goals.
"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."
A Decade of Brilliance
De Bruyne arrived a year before Pep Guardiola and became a key figure in City’s evolution into a European powerhouse. His playmaking ability, vision, and leadership helped define an era of unprecedented success for the club.
His impact in the Premier League is evident in his records:
117 assists – the most in the league since his arrival in 2015
827 chances created – more than any other player in that period
193 big chances created – another league-best figure
Two-time Premier League Player of the Season winner (2019-20, 2021-22)
Joint record holder for most assists in a single season (20 in 2019-20, tied with Thierry Henry)
Three-time Playmaker of the Season award winner (2017-18, 2019-20, 2022-23)
The Road Ahead
De Bruyne’s next move remains unclear. He previously expressed openness to new opportunities, including a potential switch to Saudi Arabia, and paused contract talks while recovering from injury earlier this season.
