‘I Was in Shock’ – Kevin De Bruyne Reveals the Cold, Unexpected Man City Decision That Left Him Reeling After a Decade of Glory!
Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will leave Manchester City at the end of June when his current contract officially expires, bringing an extraordinary chapter of his career to a close. The 33-year-old Belgian maestro will walk away from the Etihad Stadium as a free agent after a glittering ten-year spell that cemented his status as not only one of City’s greatest-ever players but also as one of the Premier League’s all-time icons.
During his time with the club, De Bruyne amassed an incredible haul of silverware, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and the much-coveted Champions League trophy. His vision, creativity, and relentless drive were integral to City’s domestic dominance and European triumph under Pep Guardiola.
News of his impending departure came as a shock to many supporters, especially given that speculation about his future had lingered throughout the season. Despite a campaign marred by injury setbacks that limited him to just 23 Premier League appearances, the midfield talisman still managed to contribute ten goal involvements—proving he remains a top-level performer when fit.
Hopes had lingered among fans that the club might offer him a short-term extension or rolling contract, allowing him to remain at the heart of the team for at least another season. However, De Bruyne has revealed that City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano informed him in a brief meeting that the club had opted not to renew his contract, effectively ending his storied association with the Sky Blues.
Recalling the moment, De Bruyne admitted: “There was a bit of shock, to be honest. I didn’t expect it, but I have to accept it. I still believe I’m capable of playing at the highest level—as I’ve shown this season when I’ve been fit—but I also understand that clubs must make decisions in line with their future plans.”
Coming to terms with the decision wasn’t easy for the former PFA Player of the Year, who opened up about the emotional toll it took before he made the news public. “It took me a few days to process everything. My family wasn’t even home—they were away on holiday—so I was dealing with it alone, which made it even more surreal. It was a strange time.”
He added: “But once I made the announcement, there was actually a sense of relief. Keeping it in while continuing to go about my duties at the club wasn’t easy. The uncertainty and emotion of it all were hard to manage. The truth is, I never received a formal offer from the club all season. It was clear they had made up their minds.”
Despite City closing the door, De Bruyne is far from ready to hang up his boots. While Major League Soccer clubs are circling—talkSPORT understands Inter Miami are strongly interested in signing him, with the prospect of linking up with Lionel Messi an enticing possibility—De Bruyne is not ruling out continuing in the Premier League either. Chicago Fire have also reportedly entered the race for his signature, sparking a tug-of-war across the Atlantic.
When asked about his next steps, the Belgian star maintained a calm and open-minded approach: “I’m not closing any doors. I told City’s top executives that I still feel I have so much more to give. I may not be 25 anymore, but I know what I can bring to a team. It’s not just about the physical side—it’s about experience, intelligence, leadership.”
He continued: “Right now, I’m looking at everything—sporting ambition, family considerations, lifestyle. It’s about finding the right balance and making the best decision for myself and my loved ones. I love this game, and I just want to keep playing at the highest level possible for as long as I can.”
As the football world prepares to bid farewell to a Premier League legend, De Bruyne’s next move will undoubtedly be watched with immense interest. Whether it’s in England, the United States, or elsewhere in Europe, one thing is clear: Kevin De Bruyne’s story is far from over.
