Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City this summer, bringing an end to his decade-long stay at the Etihad.
De Bruyne’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and the Belgian midfielder has confirmed he will not be signing a new deal.
Revealing his decision in an emotional letter to fans on Friday, De Bruyne, 33, wrote: ‘Dear Manchester, Seeing this you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.
‘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 this 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 all grateful for what this place has meant to our family. “Manchester” will forever be on our kids’ passports – and more importantly, in each of our hearts.
Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Man City at the end of the season
De Bruyne will move away from City with his wife Michele Lacroix (left) and their three children
De Bruyne announced his decision to leave City in an emotional letter to fans on social media
‘This will always be our HOME.
‘We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride.
‘Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.
‘Let’s enjoy these last moments together!’
‘Much love, KDB.’
De Bruyne has established himself as one of City’s greatest ever players since arriving from Wolfsburg for £52m in 2015.
Over the past 10 years he has played a starring role in City’s dominance, winning six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and, of course, the Champions League to complete the Treble in 2023.
In 413 appearances for City across all competitions, De Bruyne has scored 106 goals and registered 174 assists.
Having confirmed he will be leaving City this summer, attention will quickly turn to where De Bruyne could go next.
Mail Sport understands a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia or the US is very likely to be De Bruyne’s next move.
He was heavily linked with a transfer to the Middle East last summer, but ended up remaining at City for another season.
MLS’ newest club San Diego FC revealed last month that they have held talks with De Bruyne as he weighs up his future.
More to follow…