Manchester City have confirmed that they will honour Kevin De Bruyne’s illustrious 10-year career at the club with a specially made statue outside the Etihad Stadium.
The news came shortly after De Bruyne played his last game at the Etihad in Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday night.
De Bruyne, who announced last month that he will leave Man City when his contract expires in the summer, came painfully close to marking his last home game with a goal. But the Belgian playmaker unfortunately hit the underside of the crossbar from five meters away with an open goal to aim at. The game was instead characterized by goals from Omar Marmoush and Bernardo Silva in the first half.
Mateo Kovacic and Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook were both sent off within five minutes midway through the second half, before Nico Gonzalez sealed the win with City’s third goal late in the game. Daniel Jebbison reduced the score to 3-1 in the 96th minute.
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The win for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are chasing a Champions League place, moved them up to third place in the Premier League before the final league round. And they celebrated in style by giving De Bruyne the farewell he deserves in front of the faithful supporters at the Etihad one last time.
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De Bruyne is honoured with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium
After receiving a guard of honour from Man City’s players and staff, De Bruyne went to the centre circle with his wife and three children for a special ceremony on the pitch, while the fans sang his name to the tune of the Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes.
With tears in his eyes, an emotional De Bruyne watched a video on the big screen with messages from current and former Man City heroes, as well as his family, in which they thanked the playmaker for everything he has given the club over the past ten years. It left him “very touched”.
When the news of the statue was confirmed, De Bruyne said:
“This means that I will always be part of this club! When I come back with my family and friends, I will be able to see myself – so I will always be here.
He continued with a speech to the fans:
“Manchester is my home. Manchester is where these young children of mine were born. I came here with my wife Michele to stay for a long time – I didn’t expect to stay for 10 years and achieve what we have done as a club. We’ve won everything, we’ve made the city and the club bigger, and now they’re going to take over.
“It has been an absolute honour to play with these guys. I’ve made so many friends for life, and we’ll be back – as soon as possible.
“The best way to describe my life with my wife and my three children is that we have fit in perfectly. We understand where the club has come from, and what it means to so many. Together, we have built a great future for you, so that the club can perform as it wants to do.
“I know this year has been tough, but this team deserves all their support. They’re fighting hard, and they’ll be back next year to fight for every title – they deserve it!
“After 10 years, it was time for someone to let me talk a little… Now it’s time to say goodbye. I’ll be back, but we love you – see you soon!
De Bruyne becomes the last Manchester City legend to be honoured
De Bruyne, who is considered one of the Premier League’s best players ever, becomes the latest name in the line of Man City icons to have received statues for their huge contributions to the club.
Four-time Premier League winners Vincent Kompany and David Silva had statues unveiled outside the Etihad in 2021, a year before top scorer Sergio Agüero was honoured in the same way.
In 2023, the club further recognised its rich history with a statue commemorating the legendary trio of Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee and Francis Lee, who together gave 30 years to the club from the 1960s onward.
In addition, De Bruyne has been given a special mosaic at the City Football Academy by the club’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak – a tradition for players who leave the club, after Kompany, Silva, Agüero, Joe Hart, Yaya Touré and Ilkay Gündogan (who has since returned to Guardiola’s team).
De Bruyne, who recently gave an update on his future ahead of his departure, is now preparing for what is likely to be his very last appearance for Man City – away to Fulham on Sunday in the final round of the league.
A legend says goodbye – but leaves behind a lasting legacy. ⚽💙
