Kevin De Bruyne Says Goodbye to Manchester City After 10 Years

Kevin De Bruyne has said farewell to the Etihad Stadium after 10 years at the club. He gave an emotional speech to supporters after City’s win over Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

WHAT HAPPENED?

De Bruyne confirmed he is leaving Manchester City after 10 years with the club, speaking to fans after Tuesday’s win against Bournemouth. The 33-year-old had announced in April that this would be his last season, and fans were given the chance to show their appreciation in a special post-match ceremony.

The emotional farewell marks the end of an era for both the player and City, with De Bruyne having played a key role in their dominance of English football and winning multiple titles such as the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, European Supercup and more.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave the Etihad at the end of season, his next destination remains undecided. Reports suggest Napoli are emerging as a serious contender for his signature, with the Serie A leaders allegedly in talks with the Belgian’s representatives.

The Italian club are reportedly preparing an initial two-year contract with an option for a third year, along with a salary of €7m (£6m) plus a significant signing bonus to make up for the pay cut from his City wages.

Meanwhile, Major League Soccer remains a strong possibility for De Bruyne’s next move. Chicago Fire have emerged as favourites to sign the midfielder, having secured his discovery rights which allow them to negotiate exclusively with the player.

The Fire are only two points out of a playoff position in the Eastern Conference despite currently sitting 11th, with star striker Hugo Cuypers leading the MLS Golden Boot race with seven goals in 10 matches.

WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?

De Bruyne faces a crucial decision about the next chapter of his career. While Napoli appears to have received his “green light” to proceed with negotiations, MLS clubs including Chicago Fire, D.C. United, and New York City FC have reportedly expressed interest in bringing the Belgian superstar to America.

Saudi Arabian teams are also monitoring the situation, and there remains the possibility he could join another Premier League side.

For Manchester City, the departure of their creative lynchpin marks the end of a transformative era. De Bruyne’s technical brilliance, vision, and leadership were central to the club’s rise to the summit of English and European football.

His farewell at the Etihad Stadium concludes a chapter that City fans will remember as one of the most successful in the club’s history.