Kevin De Bruyne has announced his pending departure from Man City, after 10 years at the club.
After 10 years, more than 400 games and 16 titles, Kevin De Bruyne is leaving Manchester City in the summer when his contract expires.
The 33-year-old announced the news on Friday afternoon after what’s been an extremely difficult season for the Belgian who’s scored just twice and assisted six more in 20 Premier League outings for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.
Man City fans have been critical of De Bruyne who looks like he’s simply lost his legs overnight, with the likes of Gary Linker suggesting De Bruyne is past his best amid what’s been an overall tough season for City.
After Man City beat Leicester City 2-0 in midweek, Pep’s side remain in 5th place of the Premier League table ahead of a Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday, which will prove to be De Bruyne’s last Manchester derby.
Jack Grealish and Toni Kroos react to Kevin De Bruyne’s Man City announcement
Among those to react first to De Bruyne’s Man City exit were teammate Jack Grealish and legendary former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos, with the latter’s recognition of De Bruyne showing just how revered De Bruyne by fellow professionals.
Grealish gave a touching send off to De Bruyne saying that the Belgian was one of the reasons why he chose to join man City in 2021, whilst Kroos labelled De Bruyne as a ‘special player’ following his announcement on Friday.
- READ MORE: Pep reveals the conversation he had with Kevin De Bruyne before he announced Man City departure
The four clubs currently looking to sign Kevin De Bruyne
Throughout the season there’s been rumours that De Bruyne will head to the MLS. But recent reports have suggested that clubs in South America, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are looking into a free transfer for De Bruyne.
Just before De Bruyne’s announcement, reports in Europe revealed that Saudi side Neom SC are in talks to sign De Bruyne ahead of his Man City contract expiring in the summer, with the same report also revealing River Plate, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahçe are interested in the attacking midfielder.
Wherever he ends up, expect Man City fans to pay close to attention to how he gets on in what will surely be the final chapter of a long and illustrious career.
De Bruyne goes down as a modern day legend at the Etihad despite his struggles this season, and his achievements, goals and assists will be remembered for a long time to come.
