The End of an Era: Kevin De Bruyne’s Departure from Manchester City
Pep Guardiola recently declared that Kevin De Bruyne will be remembered as one of the premier legends of the Premier League. This announcement came shortly after De Bruyne, aged 33, revealed his plans to leave Manchester City at season’s end. Joining City in 2015 from Wolfsburg for £55 million ($72 million), De Bruyne has been pivotal in establishing City as a powerhouse in English football.
De Bruyne’s Remarkable Contribution
During his tenure at Etihad, De Bruyne has won 14 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. His record for City is stellar, boasting 106 goals and 174 assists across 413 appearances. Guardiola praised him, stating, “He is one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country and for this club – there is no doubt.”
- Influential Leadership: Even as the City captain’s on-field presence has been affected by injuries in recent years, his influence remains significant.
- Enduring Legacy: Despite recent injury struggles, Guardiola highlighted De Bruyne’s unwavering consistency and impact during his peak years which significantly contributed to City’s success.
A Hero’s Farewell and Legacy
Already, Manchester City legends such as Vincent Kompany, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero have been commemorated with statues at the Etihad. Guardiola firmly believes De Bruyne will receive similar recognition, affirming, “I would bet a lot of money that it is going to happen, that’s for sure. He deserves to be on this level.”
Uncertainty About De Bruyne’s Final Days at City
The exact details of De Bruyne’s departure remain uncertain. His contract expires at the end of June, with the Club World Cup scheduled shortly thereafter, from June 14 to July 13. “It’s a good question, I don’t know,” Guardiola responded when asked about De Bruyne’s participation. The future holds new challenges and opportunities for De Bruyne, dependent on forthcoming discussions about his career and next steps.
In Conclusion
Kevin De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an illustrious chapter for both the player and Manchester City. As Guardiola suggested, De Bruyne’s exceptional talent will be challenging to replace, making his farewell a significant moment in Premier League history.
Related: End of an Era: Kevin De Bruyne Announces Departure from Manchester City After 2024/25
Last Updated: April 4, 2025
