Kevin de Bruyne has announced he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season when his contract at the Etihad Stadium expires, Afrosport reports.
The 33-year-old Belgian joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015 and has scored 106 goals and provided 174 assists in 413 competitive outings, winning 16 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
The latter part of De Bruyne’s career at City has been blighted by injuries which has limited his time on the pitch
“Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter,” De Bruyne wrote in an Instagram post.
“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.”
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Reacting to the announcement, City manager Pep Guardiola said it was a sad day for the club as he considered De Bruyne as one of the greatest midfielders to ever play in England.
“A sad day but a happy day for the fact that I had the pleasure personally to live this time with him,” the Spaniard said.
“What he gave us, all of us, with his humanity and his influence in our success in the last decade. Of course, part of us is leaving. When Vincent or Sergio or David left, these players have contributions.
“He’s one of the greatest in this country. Always I have to be careful for the respect for the players that have played incredible roles, but there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure.
“The doors are open here for the rest of his life. He’s part of this family, this club.”
Since he joined City, De Bruyne has the most Premier League assists (117), chances created (827) and big chances created (193).
He is also only second to Ryan Giggs (162) for most assist in Premier League history.
