Man City fans make De Bruyne exit feelings clear after star 'surprised' to leave
Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, but the decision to let him move on has not gone down well with everyone at the Premier League side
Manchester City fans made it clear they disagree with the club's decision to part ways with Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian has spent a decade at the Etihad Stadium but will depart when his contract expires this summer.
De Bruyne has been City's most important player during the most successful period in their history. He has won six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups and the Champions League during his time in Manchester.
But the past two years have been more difficult for the midfielder as he was hit by a number of injuries. And with the Belgian turning 34 in June, City opted to part ways at the end of the season.
It was a decision which caught De Bruyne by surprise, with club chiefs failing to make any offer for him to extend his stay. The City legend played his final game at the Etihad as a home player on Tuesday night.
He captained Pep Guardiola's side from attacking midfield, before being taken off with 20 minutes to go. De Bruyne was allowed to address the crowd after the final whistle and they made their feelings clear on his future.
The home crowd could be heard chanting 'we want you to stay' while he was speaking to them on the pitch. City will honour De Bruyne with a statue celebrating his career at the club.
He will follow in the line of Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Mike Summerbee, Francis Lee and Colin Bell in being awarded a statue. As part of a special post-match ceremony, De Bruyne was also presented with a special framed shirt signed by all of team-mates and staff.
A special video tribute was also played on the Etihad big screen. De Bruyne's departure is something the Belgian has made clear he did not expect to happen.
"I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision," he said in April. "Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. Honestly I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing but I understand clubs have to make decisions.
"Maybe if the team didn't struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal then maybe they take another decision. I feel like I still have a lot to give. Obviously I know I'm not 25 any more but I still feel like I can do my job.
"I'm open for anything. I have to look at the whole picture. I'm looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family.
"I like to play football. I like to compete. That's what I feel so I can't say that I want to quit because I still feel that whenever I'm in training I want to beat the guys. I feel like I'm doing really well and that's why I've also played a lot lately."
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