Kevin De Bruyne emotionally bid farewell to Manchester City on Tuesday. The Belgian midfielder, like his coach Josep Guardiola, shed a tear. “I’ve made friends for life.”
De Bruyne played his last home game against Bournemouth (3-1). When he was substituted in the 69th minute, he received a standing ovation from the crowd. After the match, there was extensive attention to the upcoming departure of the 33-year-old midfielder.
“It’s very emotional,” De Bruyne said to a packed Etihad Stadium. “Who can say that 50,000 people wave to you to say goodbye? That’s indescribable, thank you so much. It’s time to say goodbye, but I’ll be back sometime. I love you.”
De Bruyne made the switch from VfL Wolfsburg to City in the summer of 2015. He grew into a star player at ‘The Citizens’. “Manchester is our home, it’s the city where our children were born. I came here with my wife Michèle to stay here for a long time, but I didn’t expect to stay here for ten years and achieve this with the club.”
In ten years, De Bruyne won no fewer than eighteen prizes with City. He was crowned champion of England six times and won the Champions League in 2023.
De Bruyne would have liked to stay, but City decided not to extend his expiring contract. “It has been an honor to play with everyone here. I have made friends for life.”
Guardiola in Tears: ‘He will be missed’
De Bruyne’s farewell also caused emotions for Guardiola, who could not control his tears. The 54-year-old coach worked with the Belgian for nine years. “Of course it’s difficult,” Guardiola said at the press conference.
“It’s not about how much he contributes in goals or assists, but about the bond with the club and the way he has committed himself to the club year after year.”
“I’m pretty sure he wasn’t a City fan when he came here to play, but I’m sure he is now and always will be,” the coach continued. “That’s because of the connection he has here. It’s a sad day. He will be missed. There is no doubt about that. There are players who are irreplaceable.”
De Bruyne has played the last home game, but next Sunday there is an away game against Fulham in the last round of the Premier League. The match starts on Sunday at 5:00 PM. It is not yet known where De Bruyne will continue his career.