“I Wanted to Stay but They Didn’t Want Me” – De Bruyne Opens Up on Stunning Exit
In a candid and emotional first interview since his blockbuster transfer to Liverpool, Kevin De Bruyne has broken his silence on the circumstances surrounding his unexpected exit from Manchester City. The 33-year-old midfield icon, whose move to one of City’s fiercest rivals stunned the footballing world, has revealed that he never truly wanted to leave the Etihad — but felt pushed out by decisions made behind the scenes.
A Departure No One Saw Coming
Few could have imagined Kevin De Bruyne, the architect of Manchester City’s most dominant era, wearing any color other than sky blue. Yet, as the Belgian maestro sat down for an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, his tone was one of quiet disappointment rather than resentment.
“I wanted to stay,” De Bruyne began. “This club has been my home for nearly a decade. My children were born here. We’ve made a life in Manchester. I didn’t want to leave — but it became clear that the club had other plans.”
It’s a statement that flips the narrative many had assumed: that De Bruyne, perhaps wary of mounting injuries or looking for a new challenge, had chosen to move on. But according to the player himself, the truth is far more painful.
The Breakdown
Sources close to the club suggest that initial discussions over a contract extension began in early 2024. With De Bruyne’s current deal running until the end of the 2024–25 season, it was widely expected that he would be offered a short extension to stay until at least 2026. However, as De Bruyne tells it, those talks quickly stalled.
“I asked the club what the plan was,” he said. “I wasn’t asking for anything crazy. I know where I am in my career. I’m not 25 anymore. But I still believe I have two, maybe three top-level years left in me. I was open to adapting my role, mentoring the younger players, rotating more — whatever was needed. But the feedback I got was… vague. Distant.”
That “distance” seems to have grown into silence. According to De Bruyne, it wasn’t long before he realized his place in the future of City was no longer secure.
“I never heard a flat-out ‘no,’ but I also never heard a real ‘yes,’” he recalled. “Eventually, you start to understand the message.”
Guardiola’s Silence
While Pep Guardiola has publicly praised De Bruyne as “irreplaceable,” the midfielder hints at a lack of communication from the man who had once built a team around him.
“I have the highest respect for Pep. We achieved incredible things together,” De Bruyne said. “But towards the end, I didn’t feel involved. I wasn’t part of the long-term vision. And maybe that’s just how football goes. But it hurts when you’ve given everything.”
Guardiola, known for his ruthlessly efficient squad management, has moved on from club legends before — including Sergio Agüero and Vincent Kompany — but De Bruyne’s case feels more personal. This was a player still capable of game-changing brilliance, still orchestrating City’s midfield when fit.
And now, he’s doing it for Liverpool.
The Liverpool Switch
When it became clear that Manchester City were unlikely to extend his stay, De Bruyne began to consider other options. A lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia was reportedly on the table, as were opportunities in the MLS and Serie A. But when Liverpool called, something clicked.
“I won’t lie — I was surprised,” he admitted. “But when I spoke with Liverpool, I felt wanted again. They didn’t just see me as a veteran. They saw me as a leader, as someone who could be part of a new project. That was important.”
De Bruyne signed a two-year deal with Liverpool with an option for a third, and while he is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, he’s already made a visible impact at the training ground. Photos of him mentoring younger players and watching from the sidelines have gone viral.
“It’s a new chapter,” he said. “But it wasn’t my plan. I didn’t want to write the final pages of my City career like this.”
Fan Reaction
The reaction to De Bruyne’s interview has been explosive. Manchester City fans are divided — some furious at what they see as betrayal, others heartbroken by the club’s apparent mishandling of one of its all-time greats.
Liverpool fans, meanwhile, have embraced their new star with open arms. While there’s cautious optimism about how much he can contribute on the pitch, especially given his recent injury history, the symbolic power of signing someone of his stature has ignited belief.
A Legacy Complicated?
For many, De Bruyne will always be the heartbeat of Manchester City’s golden era. He leaves behind five Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and more assists than any midfielder in the club’s history.
But his decision to move to a rival — and the emotions he has now expressed — complicate his legacy.
“I know some people will be angry,” he said. “But I’ve always tried to be honest. I played through pain. I played through injuries. I gave everything I had every season. I didn’t want to go. But if a door is closed on you, you have to find a new one.”
City legend or defector? The truth, as always, lies somewhere in the middle. What’s clear is that this transfer wasn’t just a change of clubs — it was a break from a club that no longer saw him as central to its future.
Looking Ahead
De Bruyne’s debut in a Liverpool shirt will be one of the most anticipated moments of the coming season. If he’s fit in time to face Manchester City, expect emotions to run high and the atmosphere to be electric.
But for now, the Belgian is focused on recovery — both physically and emotionally.
“I don’t hold grudges,” he said in closing. “I’m grateful for everything we did at City. But football doesn’t wait. I’m not done yet. And I’ll show that in red.”
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