Statue, Tears & Legacy: A Night Etihad Will Never Forget
Kevin De Bruyne, a Manchester City legend, received a heartfelt farewell at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter. The 33-year-old midfield maestro was honored with emotional tributes, a planned statue, and a tearful send-off from teammates, fans, and even manager Pep Guardiola.
A Missed Chance, But a Night to Remember
City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth was De Bruyne’s final home appearance. Despite a golden chance to score, he missed a sitter in the first half and was substituted in the second following Mateo Kovacic’s red card. “It’s terrible,” De Bruyne admitted. “My son is going to be very tough on me today.”
Yet, the miss did little to dampen the evening’s spirit. The stadium roared with chants, scarves bearing his name, and matchday programs showcasing him as the ‘King’ of the club. 
Ten Years of Brilliance
De Bruyne’s decade-long contribution to City’s dominance includes 16 winners’ medals, 119 Premier League assists (second only to Ryan Giggs), and 72 goals. He has created a staggering 843 chances — the most by any player in the league during that time.
His influence? Unmatched. Guardiola described him as the “second-best passer” he’s ever worked with, only behind Lionel Messi. Former teammate Micah Richards added, “He lets his football do the talking. He’s a genius.”
A City Legend Immortalized
City celebrated his legacy by naming a road and creating a mosaic in his honor at the club’s academy. A giant mural now stands in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, while the club plans to erect a statue outside the stadium — a fitting tribute for someone who called Manchester “home” and said his kids “were Manc.”
What’s Next for City?
As De Bruyne exits, attention shifts to who can fill the void. Phil Foden and Jack Grealish remain internal candidates, though names like Morgan Gibbs-White are under consideration. Richards noted, “There is a vacancy available, and this is Foden’s time.”
Even as speculation swirls about a move to Chicago Fire in the US, De Bruyne remains focused on City’s legacy: “We made the city, the club bigger. Now they’re going to take over.”
Pep’s Farewell Words
A visibly emotional Guardiola summed it up best:
“When you leave after 10 years with this much respect and gratitude, there is nothing better than that.”
As fans chanted, “We want you to stay,” Kevin De Bruyne took a final lap around the pitch with his family — a moment Manchester City supporters will never forget.
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