Reactions As De Bruyne Confirms Manchester City Exit
Reactions have continued to trail Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Manchester City at the end of the season after spending 10 years at the Etihad.
The 33-year-old announced on Friday that he is bringing an end to his affair with the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.
De Bruyne joined Manchester City from Wolfsburg in 2015, and he has gone on to establish himself as one of the greatest players to play for the club 106 goals in 413 matches across all competitions.
He confirmed his exit on social media on Friday, expressing his gratitude to the club for the opportunity to make history with them.
De Bruyne wrote, “Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.
“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.”
Manchester City responded by announcing their plans to ensure a befitting tribute for De Bruyne before the end of the season, while praising his impact at the club.
The club said, “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 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.”
Similarly, The man who signed De Bruyne from Wolfsburg, Pep Guardiola, was full of praise for the Belgium midfielder, describing him as one of the greatest players to play for the club, and the Premier League.
He said, “I read this week that he’s been involved in 280 goals and assists, and in the Premier League he is one of the greatest midfielders ever to play in this country and for this club – there is no doubt.
“Always when you say the greatest you have to be careful for respect for the players who played many roles and incredible players that have played the last 20 or 30 years in this Club.
“But come on, there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure.
“For his consistency, except the last year, year and a half, due to injury problems. The consistency in important games and not important games, every three days being there all the time. There’s no doubt.
“His assists, goals, vision in the final third is so difficult to replace.
Other football coaches, and fans also paid tribute to Kevin De Bruyne.
Manchester United coach, Ruben Amorim described De Bruyne as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
He said, “That is easy, he was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
“The time passes to everyone so it is a natural thing. He improved the league.
“He was on the wrong side of Manchester, so I wish him good luck. It was a pleasure to see him in Portugal a lot of times.”
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta showered praises on De Bruyne.
He said, “I rank him up there. He is one of the best players in the Premier League. [I’ve] Never seen a player that can deliver that precisely at that high speed.”
Brentford coach, Thomas Frank was shocked to see De Bruyne leave Man City, but he described him as a complete player.
He said, “A little bit shocked is probably the right way to say it. I can only praise him. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League ever. There are a few good ones. But from the more central, offensive players like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard – iconic England ones – I think De Bruyne is up there.
“I think he is a top player, almost a complete player in many ways and I think he has been crucial for Man City’s success in the last few years.”
Football fans also took to social media to hail Kevin De Bruyne for his impressive numbers for Man City.
Woods hailed De Bruyne for his consistency for Manchester City.
He wrote on X: “When you have performed for decades you deserve to be talked in abundance… All channels, all posts, all discussions, all talks only about Kevin De Bruyne’s departure from Manchester City…. Hats off to you Legend”
Jazi Al-Subaie praised De Bruyne for giving Man City a decade of excellence.
He wrote on X, A decade of brilliance, loyalty and legacy Kevin De Bruyne didnt just play for Manchester City — he built a home, wrote history and inspired generations A farewell from a true legend, but the love remains eternal.”
Dave, a Liverpool fan, put aside the rivalry to wish De Bruyne all the best in the future.
He wrote on X, “I support Liverpool, but I acknowledge that Kevin De Bruyne has been an outstanding player for club and country. I wish him and his family all the best for the future. There were many times when I looked to see if he was in the City team to play Liverpool, always made a difference.”
De Bruyne has battled with injuries in the last two seasons which made him lose his place in the first team.
Since Kevin De Bruyne joined Manchester City in 2015, no player has assisted more goals (117) or created more chances (827) than him across the big five leagues in European football.
He won 19 major trophies including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup and three Community Shields.
De Bruyne made 413 appearances for the club since his arrival in the summer of 2015, scoring 106 times and providing 174 assists in all competitions.
Reactions As De Bruyne Confirms Manchester City Exit is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
