‘I have to accept it’ – Kevin De Bruyne explains emotional reaction to ‘shock’ Man City decision

Kevin De Bruyne has opened up on his disbelief at Manchester City failing to offer him a new deal. The 33-year-old announced earlier this month that he will depart the Etihad as a free agent once his contract expires at the end of June. De Bruyne has just two more months remaining on his City contractGetty It will bring an end to ten trophy-laden years at City, which have seen him win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and one Champions League. Recognised as not only one of City’s best ever players, but one of the all-time top-flight greats, news that De Bruyne wouldn’t stay on came as a shock to fans. His future had been the source of much speculation following another injury-hit season that has seen him limited to 23 league outings. But he has still chipped in with ten goal contributions, leading to hope from City supporters that a short-term deal could be agreed. However, De Bruyne has opened up about his impending departure and how it was City who decided against handing him fresh terms. The Belgian playmaker has told the written media how City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano informed him that he will be released this summer during a brief meeting. Speaking about City’s decision, De Bruyne said: “There was a little bit of shock. “I didn’t have any offer from them through the whole year and the club made a decision. “Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it. “Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand that clubs have to make decisions.” De Bruyne could end his City career with silverware in the FA CupGetty Only Savio has recorded more assists [eight] than the Citizens skipper in the Premier League this term De Bruyne also commented on how he struggled to come to terms with the decision for over a week before going public in his announcement. He added: “It was half a week until I reported it out and it wasn’t nice. My family weren’t home. “They were on holiday so it was a bit weird but it is what it is. “After the decision was made and when I came out, it was more of a relief when I reported it to the outside world compared to when I knew and nobody else knew. “You don’t know what to do with the emotion with everybody and how to handle it at the club. “Now it’s out, it’s fine and people see the way I am. I try to do my best and win games for the team. I love playing football so that’s it.” talkSPORT understands that Inter Miami are keen on the player, which could see him link up with Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, it is believed the Herons’ MLS rivals Chicago Fire are also in the race to secure De Bruyne’s services. But despite being heavily tipped to leave Europe, De Bruyne remains open to remaining in the Premier League. He remarked: “I don’t feel awkward. I told them (City’s chiefs) that I feel like I still have a lot to give. “I know I’m not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job. I’m open for anything because I have to look at the whole picture. “I’m looking at sporting reasons, family and everything together and what makes the most sense for me and my family. De Buryne has scored 107 goals in 416 outings for City since joining in 2015Getty “I still feel like I can play at a good level, but after I’ll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more.” For De Bruyne, he will be hoping to end his season on a high with City still in the FA Cup. And he will be keen to help City seal their place in the Champions League next season with Pep Guardiola‘s men sitting fourth in the table with five games remaining.

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‘I have to accept it’ – Kevin De Bruyne explains emotional reaction to ‘shock’ Man City decision

Kevin De Bruyne has opened up on his disbelief at Manchester City failing to offer him a new deal.

The 33-year-old announced earlier this month that he will depart the Etihad as a free agent once his contract expires at the end of June.

De Bruyne has just two more months remaining on his City contract

It will bring an end to ten trophy-laden years at City, which have seen him win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and one Champions League.

Recognised as not only one of City’s best ever players, but one of the all-time top-flight greats, news that De Bruyne wouldn’t stay on came as a shock to fans.

His future had been the source of much speculation following another injury-hit season that has seen him limited to 23 league outings.

But he has still chipped in with ten goal contributions, leading to hope from City supporters that a short-term deal could be agreed.

However, De Bruyne has opened up about his impending departure and how it was City who decided against handing him fresh terms.

The Belgian playmaker has told the written media how City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano informed him that he will be released this summer during a brief meeting.

Speaking about City’s decision, De Bruyne said: “There was a little bit of shock.

“I didn’t have any offer from them through the whole year and the club made a decision.

“Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it.

“Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand that clubs have to make decisions.”

De Bruyne could end his City career with silverware in the FA Cup

Only Savio has recorded more assists [eight] than the Citizens skipper in the Premier League this term

De Bruyne also commented on how he struggled to come to terms with the decision for over a week before going public in his announcement.

He added: “It was half a week until I reported it out and it wasn’t nice. My family weren’t home.

“They were on holiday so it was a bit weird but it is what it is.

“After the decision was made and when I came out, it was more of a relief when I reported it to the outside world compared to when I knew and nobody else knew.

“You don’t know what to do with the emotion with everybody and how to handle it at the club.

“Now it’s out, it’s fine and people see the way I am. I try to do my best and win games for the team. I love playing football so that’s it.”

talkSPORT understands that Inter Miami are keen on the player, which could see him link up with Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile, it is believed the Herons’ MLS rivals Chicago Fire are also in the race to secure De Bruyne’s services.

But despite being heavily tipped to leave Europe, De Bruyne remains open to remaining in the Premier League.

He remarked: “I don’t feel awkward. I told them (City’s chiefs) that I feel like I still have a lot to give.

“I know I’m not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job. I’m open for anything because I have to look at the whole picture.

“I’m looking at sporting reasons, family and everything together and what makes the most sense for me and my family.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City runs with the ball under pressure from Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Manchester City FC at Old Trafford on April 06, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Copa/Getty Images) — De Buryne has scored 107 goals in 416 outings for City since joining in 2015

“I still feel like I can play at a good level, but after I’ll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more.”

For De Bruyne, he will be hoping to end his season on a high with City still in the FA Cup.

And he will be keen to help City seal their place in the Champions League next season with Pep Guardiola‘s men sitting fourth in the table with five games remaining.