Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season and the Belgian has now decided on his next club after an emotional farewell
Comments
Sport
Kevin De Bruyne's potential switch to another Premier League team is off the table after an emotional adieu to Manchester City. The talismanic midfielder's departure was stamped and his heartfelt parting from the Etihad came on Tuesday evening.
Although now 33 and coming off a season marred by injuries, De Bruyne remains a player of top calibre, with several of City's domestic competitors previously interested in the Belgian who's had a decade filled with silverware at the blue side of Manchester.
Even though De Bruyne himself acknowledges he still has much to contribute, he plans to ply his trade beyond British shores, with the Telegraph stating that he has decided against continuing in the English top tier. The celebrated player is keeping an open mind about his future endeavours but will venture abroad.
Arsenal and Aston Villa were mentioned as potential next stops while Mohamed Salah quipped that he'd be chuffed to have De Bruyne at Anfield should he opt for a contentious transfer. Reports linking him with Villa have since been rubbished.
Salah commented on Sky Sports: "I want to tell him congratulations for your career," adding "He's done a phenomenal job at City, and he was great for the league. I really wish him the best...and we have a space for him!", reports the Mirror.
De Bruyne waves goodbye to England with a hefty six Premier League titles to his name coupled with over 100 goals and assists apiece. The Belgian maestro also boasts two PFA Player of the Year awards under his belt.
Napoli, currently leading the Serie A, are reportedly eyeing Kevin De Bruyne, with Antonio Conte keen on another Premier League talent. Interest from across the pond has emerged too, with Inter Miami being a potential suitor, though there's less chatter about a move to Saudi Arabia.
De Bruyne is set to leave Manchester City without silverware this season following their FA Cup final defeat on Saturday. Nonetheless, his legendary status at the club is cemented, and it's been announced that he'll be honoured with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium.
Reflecting on his time in Manchester, De Bruyne remarked: "Manchester is home, it is where my kids were born. I came here with my wife to stay for a long time, didn't expect it to be ten years, to do what we've done as a club. We've won everything, we made the club bigger and now they're going to take over."