Kevin De Bruyne has officially ended his incredible decade-long journey with Manchester City and received a monumental tribute that cements his legacy at the Etihad Stadium. The legendary Belgian midfielder was honored with an emotional farewell following Manchester City’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday night. The farewell ceremony featured a special tribute video created by the club’s supporters, a guard of honor from his teammates, and heartfelt video messages from close friends and former players.
As a final gesture of respect and gratitude, Manchester City announced that a statue of Kevin De Bruyne will be erected outside the Etihad Stadium. This statue will join those of fellow club icons Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, and David Silva, as well as legendary figures like Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell, and Francis Lee. Speaking after the match, De Bruyne said, “This makes me feel like I’ll always remain a part of this club. Coming back in the future with my family and friends and seeing my statue means I’ll always be here.”
De Bruyne first joined Manchester City in 2015 from Wolfsburg and quickly rose to prominence as one of the most elite midfielders in world football. Over ten remarkable seasons in the iconic sky blue jersey, he played 421 matches and contributed 108 goals and 177 assists. His efforts helped the club clinch six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Winning is addictive. The more you win, the more you want. We’ve had so many amazing moments – five or six parades, unforgettable times with teammates – too many to count.”
Although Kevin De Bruyne has not confirmed his next destination, speculation is rife about a potential move to Major League Soccer. Current reports suggest that Chicago Fire holds the discovery rights and could be leading the race to sign him. Another possibility includes a surprising link with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
Kevin De Bruyne leaves not only as a player but as a permanent figure in Manchester City’s rich history. His decade of brilliance, leadership, and passion will forever be remembered by fans and the club alike.
