Kevin De Bruyne opens up about Manchester City’s decision to end his contract during emotional post-match moment at Goodison Park

After years of dazzling on the pitch and leading Manchester City with class and creativity, Kevin De Bruyne has started to come to terms with something he didn’t see coming—his time at the club is coming to a close.

Following City’s recent win at Goodison Park, De Bruyne took a moment outside the stadium to speak openly about the situation that’s been quietly weighing on him.

“It Wasn’t My Call” — De Bruyne Caught Off Guard by Club’s Decision

The 33-year-old midfield maestro shocked fans earlier this month when he announced this would be his final season at the club.

But behind that decision lies a deeper story—one that De Bruyne didn’t entirely control.

In fact, it was Manchester City who chose not to extend his contract, a decision relayed to him in a brief meeting with Director of Football Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano.

Manager Pep Guardiola, although part of the process, wasn’t present during the actual conversation.

“There was a bit of shock,” De Bruyne admitted.

“I didn’t receive any offer all year. The club made a decision, and I had to accept it. I still feel like I can play at this level, but I get that clubs need to make these kinds of calls.”

Dealing With the News in Private: “It Wasn’t Nice”

Those first few days after learning the news weren’t easy. With his family away on vacation, De Bruyne said the house felt emptier than usual—and so did he.

Processing what it meant to leave after nearly a decade in Manchester was emotional.

“I kept it to myself for a few days. It wasn’t a good feeling,” he shared.

“Once I made it public, it actually felt like a relief. Until then, I didn’t know how to handle the emotions. Now it’s out, I’m back to doing what I love—playing and trying to win games.”

Still Hungry for the Game—and Open to What’s Next

As De Bruyne walked through the mixed zone at Everton, 39-year-old Ashley Young stopped to share a warm moment with him.

That interaction prompted a quick reflection.

Could he still be playing at 39? He isn’t sure—but he’s confident he still has more to give in the immediate future.

After the final whistle, De Bruyne went to the away stand to pick up his son, reminding everyone how deeply tied his decisions are to his family.

With three kids under 10, he says any move—whether it’s to MLS, Saudi Arabia, or even another Premier League club—will factor in his family’s needs as much as football.

“I’m open to anything,” he said.

“I have to look at everything—what works for my career, for my wife, for the kids. I’m not 25 anymore, but I still know I can perform.”

The Bigger Picture at City: Transition and Tough Choices

City’s squad is going through a shift.

With names like Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz being linked as potential reinforcements, and over £180 million already spent in January, it’s clear the club is planning a new chapter.

Pep Guardiola has spoken openly about the need for players who can handle the high-intensity grind of twice-weekly matches.

Though De Bruyne didn’t go into detail about the club’s reasoning, he acknowledged that City’s relatively rough season may have played a role.

“The whole team has had its struggles,” he explained.

“Maybe if things had gone differently, it could’ve led to another outcome. I feel like I’ve bounced back strong, but their decision was made. It wasn’t a long conversation, just a statement. I had to take it in.”

Leaving a Legacy and Watching the Clock Tick

With 119 Premier League assists—second only to Ryan Giggs—and 16 trophies to his name, De Bruyne’s influence at City is undeniable.

His contract is set to officially expire during the Club World Cup in the U.S. this summer, but it’s still unclear whether he’ll be part of that squad.

Asked about it, his answer was simple: “I don’t know.”

If he doesn’t make the trip, his final match for Manchester City will either be the season closer against Bournemouth or the FA Cup Final, if City advances past Nottingham Forest.

The Last Link to the Pre-Guardiola Era

Whenever that last match comes, De Bruyne will be closing a significant chapter—not just for himself but for the club.

He’s the final member of the first-team squad who was already there before Guardiola arrived in 2016.

When he leaves, it’ll officially mark the end of an era that redefined Manchester City’s legacy—one filled with six Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, and countless unforgettable moments.

So, What’s Next?

De Bruyne hasn’t made up his mind yet.

Whether it’s the MLS, Saudi Arabia, a return to Belgium, or even staying in England, he’s leaving the door open.

What’s certain is that he’s not finished with football just yet.

“I love the game. That’s what drives me,” he said.

“I’ll make my decision when I know more—but for now, I just want to enjoy the time I have left on the pitch.”