(image-instagram/kevindebruyne)
The Etihad Stadium rose as one, his name echoing in the stadium, waving the flag with his number, and Manchester City’s legendary player Kevin De Bruyne stood for a moment, soaking it all in. Nineteen major trophies and countless moments are what define the 33-year-old midfielder’s journey with the club.
Tuesday’s match was the curtain down of his illustrious 10-year career at the Etihad Stadium. Tears streamed down Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s face during the farewell to his captain. Though the match was crucial in the Premier League as the club climbed to third in the table, the night was all about De Bruyne, as it marked the last match in his sky-blue City jersey.
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De Bruyne said in his post-match speech: “I wanted to play with creativity, I wanted to play with passion. I wanted to enjoy football and I hope everyone enjoyed it.”
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A post-game video tribute featured former City players including Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Fernandinho, Vincent Kompany, Joe Hart, and Leroy Sane. In the most memorable farewell, congratulating him on his career, Aguero said, “It was an honour to play with you. I wish you all the best, my friend. Of course, you are a legend at Manchester City. And me too. See you, bro.”
De Bruyne had announced last month that he would leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. However, the player expressed his surprise when the club did not offer any new deal.
The highlight of the evening came when fans unveiled a massive tifo in De Bruyne’s honour. The tifo depicted De Bruyne’s image alongside a powerful message: “Maybe you’re not the same as me, we won the lot with KDB.”
And that wasn’t it. Beyond the stadium tribute, Manchester City unveiled a mosaic in the City Football Academy and renamed a street on the club’s campus to “Kevin De Bruyne Crescent,” celebrating the legacy of the player.
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“It’s a sad day. He will be missed,” Guardiola said. “On the other side, I think it was a lovely day for him to make again a contribution to achieve that victory that is of massive importance.”
The club on Tuesday also announced that they would erect a statue of De Bruyne outside the Etihad.
