Kevin De Bruyne Says Goodbye to Manchester City After 10 Glorious Years
Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City’s talismanic midfielder, delivered a heartfelt farewell on Tuesday night as he brought the curtain down on his illustrious 10-year career at the Etihad Stadium. The emotional occasion marked the Belgian’s final home appearance for the club, where he has earned legendary status after a decade of unwavering brilliance.
Manchester City Tribute as De Bruyne Says Goodbye
In a night filled with raw emotion and gratitude, De Bruyne’s contribution to Manchester City was celebrated in touching fashion. Although he did not find the net in the 3-1 Premier League victory over AFC Bournemouth, the result ensured City edged closer to securing UEFA Champions League qualification, now needing just one more point.
The 33-year-old midfielder was substituted early due to a tactical decision following a red card shown to team-mate Mateo Kovacic. Despite his shortened performance, De Bruyne left the pitch to thunderous applause from the Etihad faithful, with manager Pep Guardiola offering an emotional embrace.
After the final whistle, De Bruyne returned to the pitch alongside his wife Michele and their three children. As he stepped out, he was greeted with a guard of honour from his team-mates. Supporters, club staff, and the management team joined in a special post-match tribute, celebrating one of the most iconic players to have ever graced the Premier League.
Tributes Pour In From Former Team-Mates and Club Legends
A specially curated video montage aired on the stadium’s big screen, showcasing unforgettable highlights from De Bruyne’s time in Manchester. As fans passionately chanted his name, messages from former team-mates added to the moving tribute. Notable contributions came from Raheem Sterling, Aymeric Laporte, Leroy Sané, and Sergio Agüero, all of whom praised De Bruyne both as a footballer and a person.
As the tribute unfolded, De Bruyne fought back tears. When handed the microphone, he addressed the crowd with sincere emotion, reflecting on his journey and what the club means to him. Guardiola was visibly emotional as well, especially when the announcement came that a statue would be erected in De Bruyne’s honour outside the Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne Reflects on Ten Remarkable Years
“I’m very emotional,” said De Bruyne, his voice trembling with emotion. “It means [having a statue] I’ll always be part of this club and I’ll represent a small piece. Whenever I come back, I’ll be able to see myself standing around, so I’ll always be here.”
He added, “Manchester is home, it is where my kids were born. I came here with my wife to stay for a long time, didn’t expect it to be 10 years, to do what we’ve done as a club. We’ve won everything, we made the club bigger and now they’re going to take over.”
An Unmatched Legacy of Success at Manchester City
Since joining the club in 2015, De Bruyne has achieved incredible success and cemented his place as a Manchester City icon. Over his 10-year tenure, he captured six Premier League titles, emerging as one of the defining figures of Guardiola’s dominant era. His impact extended beyond trophies, as his vision, technique, and footballing intelligence consistently dictated games at the highest level.
De Bruyne was named Premier League Player of the Season twice – in 2019/20 and again in 2021/22 – underscoring his influence and excellence. He also clinched the Playmaker award three times, recognising his unmatched ability to create goals. These came in the 2017/18, 2019/20, and 2022/23 seasons.
One of his most notable achievements came during the 2019/20 campaign, when he recorded 20 assists – equalling the Premier League record set by Arsenal great Thierry Henry. This extraordinary feat highlighted his creative prowess and ability to unlock defences with precision and flair.
Playing With Passion and Creativity
De Bruyne expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play football with passion and joy. “I wanted to play with creativity, I wanted to play with passion,” he said. “I wanted to enjoy football and I hope, I think, everybody enjoyed it.”
The midfielder has long been admired for his combination of technical skill and commitment, qualities that have made him a fan favourite at the Etihad and a respected figure across world football.
When asked how he would like City fans to remember him, De Bruyne responded simply: “With joy.”
A Special Bond With Manchester City Fans
De Bruyne’s deep bond with the Manchester City faithful was on full display during his farewell. As he led the team on a final lap of appreciation around the pitch, chants of “We want you to stay, Kevin De Bruyne, we want you to stay,” echoed from the stands.
It was a poignant moment, as fans bid goodbye to a player who has delivered so many magical memories. As he made his final walk down the tunnel at the Etihad Stadium, the appreciation and affection for him were overwhelming.
De Bruyne’s presence, both on and off the field, has helped define a golden era in Manchester City’s history. His departure marks the end of a chapter, but his legacy will remain ingrained in the fabric of the club.
A Lasting Legacy and Immortal Recognition
The statue to be built in De Bruyne’s honour is a testament to his incredible contributions and the high esteem in which he is held. It will stand as a lasting reminder of his role in transforming Manchester City into a powerhouse of English and European football.
Throughout his decade at the club, De Bruyne consistently showcased elite performance, sportsmanship, and leadership. He leaves behind a standard for future generations to aspire to, having made an indelible mark on the club and the Premier League.
The End of an Era, The Beginning of a Legacy
As Manchester City prepares for life after De Bruyne, there is a sense of both gratitude and sadness. Few players have had such a profound impact on a single club, and even fewer have left with such admiration and affection from players, staff, and supporters alike.
Kevin De Bruyne may have played his final match at the Etihad Stadium, but his spirit, achievements, and legacy will continue to inspire for years to come. The Belgian maestro leaves Manchester City not just as a club legend, but as one of the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen.