Kevin De Bruyne opens up: I was shocked and disappointed that Manchester City to let me go after everything I’ve done 

Kevin De Bruyne opens up: I was shocked and disappointed that Manchester City to let me go after everything I’ve done 

Kevin De Bruyne opens up: I was shocked and disappointed that Manchester City to let me go after everything I’ve done 

Kevin De Bruyne has opened up about his shock and disappointment following Manchester City’s decision to let him go at the end of the season, revealing the emotional toll it took on him, according to Daily Mail. The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder, who has been with the club since 2015, confirmed that he would be leaving City, with his contract not being renewed despite his continued high-level performances.

 

 

 

Speaking candidly to the media after Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over Everton, De Bruyne admitted that the club’s decision caught him off guard, leaving him “shocked” and struggling to accept the reality that his decade-long tenure at the Etihad was coming to an end.

 

De Bruyne disclosed that he was informed of the club’s decision during a brief meeting with Manchester City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, and CEO, Ferran Soriano. Surprisingly, Pep Guardiola, the man who has shaped the club’s success over the past several years, was not part of the conversation.

 

“There was a little bit of shock,” De Bruyne confessed. “I didn’t have any offer from them through the whole year, and the club made a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised, but I have to accept it.” For a player of his caliber, it must have been difficult to comprehend a decision made without his involvement, especially when he feels physically capable of continuing to perform at the highest level.

 

The news of his departure wasn’t something De Bruyne could easily digest. He admitted that after the meeting, he found it difficult to process the information, with his family away on holiday, leaving him to deal with the emotions alone. “It wasn’t nice,” he admitted. “It was a bit weird, but it is what it is.”

 

While De Bruyne acknowledged that the situation was emotionally challenging, especially as it marked the end of a decade-long chapter in his life, he stressed that he had to respect the club’s decision. In the days leading up to his public announcement, he wrestled with how to handle the situation, trying to balance his emotions with the professionalism expected of him.

 

 

Kevin De Bruyne Opens Up: “I Was Shocked and Disappointed for Manchester City to Let Me Go After Everything I’ve Done”

 

Kevin De Bruyne has long been regarded as the heartbeat of Manchester City. For nearly a decade, he orchestrated the team’s midfield with poise, precision, and intelligence. His contributions have helped define one of the most dominant eras in Premier League history. So when news broke that Manchester City would not be offering him a contract extension, the footballing world was stunned—and no one more so than De Bruyne himself.

 

In a heartfelt interview, the Belgian midfielder admitted that the decision to part ways left him feeling “shocked and disappointed.” At 33, De Bruyne remains one of the most influential playmakers in Europe, and his expectations were aligned with continuing his journey at the Etihad Stadium. “I didn’t see it coming,” he said. “After everything I’ve given to this club, I thought there would be more of a conversation.”

 

De Bruyne joined City in 2015 from Wolfsburg and quickly became one of the most vital players under Pep Guardiola. Over the years, he has helped City lift six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy in 2023. Individually, he has twice been named the Premier League Player of the Season and consistently ranked among the world’s best midfielders.

 

Still, despite his accolades and unwavering commitment, De Bruyne revealed that the decision came during a short meeting with City’s senior leadership. “Txiki [Begiristain] and Ferran [Soriano] told me it was time to move on. It was a brief chat. There wasn’t much discussion. That’s what hurt the most.”

 

Injuries have troubled De Bruyne in recent seasons, including during the 2024–25 campaign. However, when fit, he has continued to deliver match-winning performances, registering crucial goals and assists and guiding City through tough fixtures. His quality and leadership have remained unquestionable.

 

Though clearly disappointed, De Bruyne insists there’s no bitterness. “I’m not angry. I’ve had the most amazing years of my career at City. I love the fans, my teammates, and the people at the club. But I’m also human. When you give everything, you expect to feel valued.”

 

He remains focused on finishing the season strong, with hopes of helping City add another FA Cup to their collection before he departs. As for what’s next, De Bruyne has not ruled out a move abroad. With reported interest from clubs in Italy, Saudi Arabia, and MLS—especially Inter Miami—his options are wide open.

 

For Manchester City supporters, his departure signals the end of an era. Kevin De Bruyne wasn’t just a great player—he was the embodiment of City’s rise to European dominance. As he prepares for a new chapter, one thing is certain: his legacy in Manchester is secure, and his disappointment, while understandable, is shared by fans who watched him become a legend.