Manchester City have paid tribute to Kevin De Bruyne, describing him as a 'global icon of the game' after the midfielder confirmed he would be leaving the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.
The Belgian has been strutting his stuff for the team ever since arriving from German side Wolfsburg back in January 2015.
De Bruyne, after costing City a club-record fee of £55million, was tipped to struggle.
He previously toiled at Chelsea but has since established himself as a Premier League legend, having won six league titles with the club.
Kevin De Bruyne: Man City have paid tribute to a 'global icon of the game' after his exit was announced
GETTY
City have now released a statement gushing over their talisman and labelling him as 'one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League'.
"Manchester City will bid an emotional farewell to Kevin De Bruyne this summer when his contract expires, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year period at the club," they wrote.
"The Belgian, a global icon of the game, has played 413 matches for City.
"During that period, he has scored 106 times, making him the first City midfielder since Colin Bell to reach a century of goals.
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"The 33-year-old has won a remarkable 16 major honours with City, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, one UEFA Champions League and two Community Shields.
"Kevin announced the news today on his personal Instagram account.
"The club and all of our fans will now take the time to deliver a fitting tribute and farewell to one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League."
De Bruyne has been a mainstay at City over the past decade.
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Dear Manchester. 💙 pic.twitter.com/2EdhVYOLti
— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) April 4, 2025
However, he's found himself on the fringes of the action at times this term.
De Bruyne, writing on his social media, confirmed his departure by saying: "Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading.
"So I'll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.
"Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here - and you deserve to hear it from me first.
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"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 to our family.
Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after a glittering stint that has seen him win six Premier League titles
PA
"'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, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride.
"Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter.
"Let's enjoy these last moments together! Much love, KDB."
