Kevin De Bruyne, the talismanic midfielder for Manchester City, has shared heartfelt insights into how his teammates reacted to the news of his impending departure from the club at the end of the 2024-25 season. The 33-year-old Belgian, whose contract expires in June, delivered a match-winning performance in City’s 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, scoring the decisive goal in what was his penultimate home game at the Etihad Stadium. Following the match, De Bruyne revealed the emotional toll his exit has taken on the squad.
Speaking to Sky Sports, De Bruyne said, “A lot of teammates have spoken to me, and I think they’re sad also that I have to go, but sometimes it goes like this in life.” He emphasized his commitment to maintaining professionalism, adding, “The way that I’m performing and acting like a teammate is how everybody should supposed to be. I give everything and I want to do my job as good as I can until the end.”
De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of a storied decade with Manchester City, during which he won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the 2023 Champions League, among other honors. His influence on and off the pitch has been profound, with teammates like Bernardo Silva expressing deep sorrow at his exit. Silva recently remarked, “A little bit of the soul of this team is going. It’s sad. It’s hard for us, we wanted him to stay. No disrespect to others, but for me, he’s the best player in the history of Manchester City.”
The announcement of De Bruyne’s exit, made in early April, came as a shock to many, including the player himself, who admitted to being “surprised” and “shocked” by the club’s decision not to offer him a new contract. “I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision,” he told reporters after a 2-0 win over Everton earlier this month. Despite his frustration, De Bruyne has remained focused on delivering for City, with his recent performances, including the goal against Wolves, underscoring his enduring quality.
Teammates have shown their affection and respect in various ways. Erling Haaland, who has formed a formidable partnership with De Bruyne since joining City in 2022, was filmed giving the Belgian a warm hug and kiss during a training session, a gesture that highlighted the close bonds within the squad. “He remains a much-loved and much-respected character in the City dressing room,” noted a report from The Mirror.
Fans, too, have begun to bid farewell to their captain. As the final whistle blew against Wolves, the Etihad crowd serenaded De Bruyne with chants to the tune of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army, a testament to his status as a club legend. With only a handful of games left, including a home match against Bournemouth on May 20 and a potential FA Cup final, supporters are cherishing every moment of De Bruyne’s farewell tour.
While De Bruyne’s future remains uncertain, he has not ruled out staying in the Premier League, with clubs like Aston Villa reportedly inquiring about his availability. Interest from Major League Soccer, particularly from Chicago Fire, and Saudi Pro League teams has also surfaced, but De Bruyne insists his next move will prioritize his family’s needs alongside his sporting ambitions. “I’m open for anything,” he said, “just because I have to look at the whole picture—sporting, family, everything together.”