Kevin de Bruyne will play his last game for Manchester City on Sunday, ending a 10-year stint with the club. What a decade it’s been – a Champions League title, six Premier League wins, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, and five League Cups. And let’s not forget the statue! De Bruyne leaves behind a legacy that will be tough to match.
His departure hasn’t been easy, though. Manchester City’s manager isn’t hiding his disappointment with how things ended. “When everyone agrees on a decision, it’s easier to say goodbye,” he said in an interview with TNT. “But this time, it wasn’t like that. Kevin wanted to stay, and the club decided he wouldn’t. That makes it harder.”
It’s not just about the titles they won together. The manager and De Bruyne have a strong bond, built over years of training, games, and ups and downs. “It’s going to be tough to walk into the locker room and not see him sitting in his usual spot,” the manager admitted.
On Sunday, the Etihad Stadium gave De Bruyne a heartfelt farewell. The manager thinks that’s what matters most. “I told him to be happy,” he said. “He got an incredible amount of love, and that’s what he should take away. Winning titles is great, but knowing you’re loved and respected – that’s priceless.” The manager is sure De Bruyne will always be remembered as one of the club’s greatest players. “The club’s doors will always be open for him,” he said. “This is the happy ending we all want for our careers.”