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I have been a fan since my childhood cheap football shirts and when the news came that Kevin De Bruyne would leave the club after this season, it felt like a blow to the gut. It’s not just a player, but a guy who was the heart of our team for almost ten years. When I think of how often he conjured passes that no one else could see, or scored from twenty metres, I nearly get a lump in my throat. How will City cope without him?

Last week I read that De Bruyne himself was shocked that the club had not even tried to offer him a new contract. When you see what he still delivers – as in the games against Crystal Palace, where he scored a goal and provided an assist, or against Everton, where he exhausted himself – I do not understand what the club is thinking.

A hero in the history of the city

I still remember the summer of 2015 when De Bruyne came from Wolfsburg. I sat with my mates in the pub and thought: “This could be big.” And what a journey it has been! Under Pep Guardiola, he developed into something like a conductor in midfield and always had full control. Whether it was a long pass that landed perfectly on Sterling’s foot, or a shot that thundered against the crossbar, his style of play had something that simply took your breath away. Over 380 games, more than 100 goals, over 200 assists – the numbers are crazy, but what matters most is the feeling he gave us.

He contributed to winning six Premier League titles, one Champions League title, two FA Cups and five League Cups – a total of 16 trophies. Every time he wore the Manchester City shirt, it felt as though anything was possible. I still get goosebumps when I think of the 2022/23 Champions League season. Although he had to leave the field early in the final due to injury, he was the one who carried us there with his crazy passes all the time. For me, he is not only one of City’s greatest – he is one of the best midfielders the Premier League has ever had.

Why no new contract?

De Bruyne spoke very frankly: “I had no offers all year. They simply decided to let me go.” It is almost as if I can’t believe what I’m reading. This is a guy who still controls the games! Against Crystal Palace he scored a goal and provided an assist, and against Everton he played almost 90 minutes and was everywhere on the pitch. He says he understands that the club must make decisions, but you can hear that he is disappointed. And to be honest, who wouldn’t be?

I have thought a lot about why City does this. He is now 33, so I understand that they are thinking about age and the injury risk. Also, young players like Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku are close to the door and ready to take over. Perhaps it’s also about money – the club has to adhere to the rules of Financial Fair Play. But still letting a player like De Bruyne go, without at least trying to extend his contract? It feels like a betrayal of a guy who has given everything for the club. As a fan it hurts a little to think about.
Last chapter: The hunt for the Champions League

In the Premier League only five games remain and City are battling for a place in the top five so that we can play in the Champions League next season. De Bruyne, as captain, is still the linchpin of the team. He runs, he directs, he creates – everything he has always done. Later this month we will also face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-final. Imagine he could lift a trophy before his departure! It would have been the perfect ending.

What makes De Bruyne so special is his still great passion for it. In an interview he said: "I love playing and taking part in competitions. That is what drives me." Although he knows he will not receive a new contract, he gives his best in every game. When I see him in the Manchester City Jersey When I see him running onto the pitch, it feels as if he is playing for us fans, as if he wants to give us something to remember him by. That makes him a legend.

What is going on now, Kevin?

Everyone wonders where De Bruyne will go next. He said he needs to think about what is best for him and his family. I’ve heard rumours that clubs in Saudi Arabia are prepared to throw money at him, and that could certainly provide him with a quiet end to his career. But I know De Bruyne – he is still hungry. He wants to play at a high level, whether in another European league or perhaps in the MLS in the United States. Last weekend my friends and I were talking about it over a pint. One thing we agreed on: he still has a few years at the top level ahead of him.

I only hope that he finds a place where he can continue to shine. He deserves to play in front of fans who appreciate him, on a field where he can show what he’s good at. No matter where he ends up, I will follow him.

A legend we will never forget

Kevin De Bruyne gave us Manchester City fans something we will never forget. The impossible passes, the crucial goals, the way he has always given his all – these are the things that stay in the memory. It is hard to imagine that soon he will no longer be walking out in a Manchester City shirt at the Etihad Stadium, but his memories will live on.

At his last games for the club I will be cheering louder than ever before. Kevin, thank you for everything you have done for us. You are one of the greatest and I wish you all the best for the future.