Kevin De Bruyne, 34, bid a tearful farewell to Manchester City fans in his final home game. The Manchester City club has also decided to create a statue in his honor.
On the 21st (Korea time), the Manchester City club announced through its official website, "The club plans to erect a special statue at Etihad to commemorate De Bruyne's illustrious career in recognition of his dedication over the past 10 years."
On the same day, De Bruyne played his last match at Etihad Stadium (Manchester City's home ground). He started in the 37th round of the Premier League for the 2024-2025 season against Bournemouth and was substituted in the 24th minute of the second half for Nico Gonzalez. Manchester City fans gave a standing ovation to the departing legend.
The match also ended in victory. Manchester City defeated Bournemouth 3-1, recording 68 points (20 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses), maintaining their 3rd place position. With this, qualification for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) next season is nearly secured.
Manchester City noted, "The news of De Bruyne's statue construction was confirmed right after the match against Bournemouth. This match was his last at Etihad for the club. De Bruyne has played over 400 matches for Manchester City in 10 years, helping the club win 19 major trophies, and he is set to transfer this summer."
De Bruyne said, "This means I will always be a part of this club. I will be able to see myself every time I return with family or friends. I will always be here," expressing his feelings about the confirmation of the statue creation.
Manchester City explained, "The packed Etihad expressed emotional greetings and respect for De Bruyne, the greatest player in the club's history, both before and after the match against Bournemouth," adding, "Alongside the statue construction, a special on-site event took place after the final whistle. De Bruyne was presented with a special framed shirt signed by all team members and staff, and a tribute video was played on the big screen."
It was also added that "De Bruyne enjoyed the honor of having a statue commissioned in his name, recognized for his significant contributions to the club. He will follow in the shining footsteps of many other Manchester City players."
Manchester City also prepared another gift for De Bruyne. The road connecting the club's academy and first-team center will be renamed 'Kevin De Bruyne Crescent.' A mosaic mural depicting him will also be installed.
So far, the legendary players for whom Manchester City has created statues include Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Sergio Agüero, Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee, and Francis Lee. Their statues are currently guarding Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City introduced, "In 2021, iconic statues honoring former captain Kompany and Silva were unveiled. Both played pivotal roles in establishing Manchester City as the top team for over 10 years. In 2022, a tribute statue was erected for all-time leading scorer Agüero, and in 2023, statues were built to honor the three legends Summerbee, Lee, and Bell, who served the club for 30 years since 1960."
Now it's De Bruyne's turn. Manchester City added, "De Bruyne will forever feel the tremendous contributions he has made over the past 10 years through the statue." Earlier, manager Pep Guardiola, who confidently stated, "I would bet big money that De Bruyne's statue will be created. It's certain," was proven right.
De Bruyne's farewell match for Manchester City is expected to be the Premier League finale against Fulham on the 26th. He has stated he will not participate in the FIFA Club World Cup taking place in June. De Bruyne remarked, "What if I get injured? I have to take care of myself. If I get hurt, no one will be responsible for me," indicating, "So I will likely not participate in the Club World Cup."
De Bruyne is one of the legends that will remain in Premier League history. Since joining Manchester City in 2015, he has recorded 6 Premier League titles, 1 UEFA Champions League title, 2 FA Cup titles, and 5 English Football League Cup titles (EFL Cup). To date, his career statistics stand at 421 matches, 108 goals, and 177 assists.
The sudden departure was Manchester City's decision. De Bruyne confessed, "I didn't receive any offers all year, and Manchester City made the decision. I was definitely a bit surprised, but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can play at the highest level like before."
De Bruyne's next destination has yet to be determined. He is reportedly receiving interest not only from Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and the Saudi Arabia Professional League but also from various big leagues in Europe. Recently, transfer rumors linking him to Serie A club Napoli have surged.
However, De Bruyne is keeping all possibilities open, including staying in the Premier League. He stated, "I have to think about my family. I have three children and a wife. It's not an easy process. All conditions have to align well for me and my family," and when asked if he could transfer to another Premier League team, he replied, "Maybe?" not ruling out the possibility.
[Photo] Manchester City, Football Factory social media.
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