The shocking truth behind Man City exist Kevin De Bruyne reveals
Kevin De Bruyne has broken his silence on the circumstances surrounding his surprise departure from Manchester City, opening up about the emotional toll and the reality behind the club’s decision to part ways with him after a decade of glittering success.
The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder had already confirmed earlier this month that he would be leaving the Etihad Stadium once his contract expires this summer, officially ending what has been a remarkable ten-year chapter at the club. De Bruyne has been instrumental in City’s rise to domestic and European dominance, amassing numerous trophies, accolades, and unforgettable moments along the way.
But while the announcement may have seemed like a mutual parting to many, manager Pep Guardiola later disclosed that the decision was not De Bruyne’s – but rather a strategic call made by the club.
Speaking candidly to the media, De Bruyne admitted he was caught off guard by the development. “There was a little bit of shock,” he confessed. “I didn’t receive any offer from City throughout the entire season. Then the club informed me of their decision. Of course, I was surprised, but I’ve come to terms with it. I have to accept it.”
Despite his initial disbelief, De Bruyne remains confident in his abilities and fitness, insisting that he still has what it takes to perform at the highest level. “Honestly, I still believe I can compete and contribute at this level, as I’ve shown when I’ve played,” he said. “But I also understand the club’s perspective. Football is a business, and clubs are constantly planning for the future.”
Shedding more light on how the news was handled internally, De Bruyne revealed that City had made the decision several days before he made his farewell post on social media. The delay in sharing the news added a layer of emotional complexity to the situation.
“It was about half a week before I made the announcement publicly,” he said. “And it wasn’t a pleasant period. My family wasn’t even at home—they were away on holiday—so it felt strange and isolating. But that’s just how it went.”
De Bruyne went on to say that he actually felt a sense of relief once the news was out in the open. “After I posted the message, it felt like a weight off my shoulders,” he explained. “It was harder when I was keeping it to myself and carrying those emotions inside the club, not knowing how to behave or express them. But now that everyone knows, it’s easier. People can see that I’m still giving everything I have to help the team win. I love this game—that hasn’t changed.”
Behind the scenes, it’s understood that Manchester City’s decision was financially motivated. De Bruyne, who is believed to be one of the club’s highest earners on a reported £400,000 per week, represents a significant financial commitment. With City preparing for a major squad overhaul this summer and looking to bring in younger, more sustainable talent, the choice to move on from their midfield maestro may have been seen as a necessary sacrifice.
“They made the decision because the whole team has struggled a bit this season,” De Bruyne acknowledged. “Maybe if the team was flying, and I returned to full fitness and settled in as smoothly as usual, then things could have gone differently. Who knows? They didn’t really explain every detail, just told me what they had decided. I can’t pretend to know what the thinking was inside the boardroom.”
Even as he prepares for a new chapter in his career, De Bruyne remains adamant that he still has more to offer. “Physically, I feel strong. Apart from the hernia issue, I’ve played a lot more this season than last, and I’ve found my rhythm again.”
When pressed on whether he understood the exact rationale behind City’s decision, De Bruyne respectfully chose to stay tight-lipped. “I don’t feel the need to share the specifics,” he said. “It’s mostly business-related, and the club has to do what they think is best for the future. The conversation wasn’t long—it was quite straightforward. They told me the decision, and that was that.”
Still, for a player who has given so much to the club, the parting is understandably bittersweet. De Bruyne may not have received the fairytale ending he deserved at City, but his legacy as one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders is secure. And while the curtain is closing on his time in Manchester, there is little doubt that Kevin De Bruyne’s football journey is far from over.
