New Delhi, April 5 (H.S.): Manchester City’s stalwart midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announced on Friday, through an emotional post, that he will bid farewell to the club at the end of this season.

De Bruyne wrote on social media, “If you are seeing this post, you might have understood what I want to say. Let’s get straight to the point – these are the last few months of my Manchester City career.” He added, “It’s not easy to write this, but we footballers know that this day comes sooner or later. That day is today – and you all should have received this news from me first.”

Since joining Manchester City from the German club Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne has won 16 trophies with the club, including the historic treble in the 2022-23 season.

In his very first season, he scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists, earning the title of the club's best player. In a total of 413 matches, De Bruyne scored 106 goals and made 174 assists. He is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

De Bruyne wrote, “Football has connected me to all of you and this city. When I came to fulfill my dream, I had no idea that this period would change my life. This city, this club, and these people have given me everything. And I have given everything in return – and we won everything.”

He further stated, “My wife Michelle and our children Suri, Rome, Mason, and I – we will always be grateful to this city and its people. ‘Manchester’ will remain not just on our children’s passports but also in our hearts. It will always be our home.”

The 33-year-old De Bruyne has been a crucial member of Manchester City during the period when the club established its dominance in English football. He has been named Players' Player of the Year twice (2019-20 and 2020-21).

In the Premier League, he has provided a total of 118 assists so far, which places him second on the all-time list.

His contract ends at the end of June, but it is unclear whether he will remain with the team during the Club World Cup scheduled from June 14 to July 13.

With De Bruyne’s announcement of departure, an era has come to an end, yet his achievements will ensure that he remains immortal in football history.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar