Manchester City‘s core player Kevin De Bruyne announced on April 4 that he will not renew his contract with the club, which also means that he will end his 10-year “blue moon career” this summer. This news is like a heavy bomb, triggering widespread attention from fans and media. And the response of the manager Pep Guardiola also makes the whole incident more weighty.
The end of a saga: why did De Bruyne choose to leave?
Over the past decade, De Bruyne has been almost synonymous with Manchester City’s midfield. His accurate passing, crucial assists and match-winning long-range shots have long been an integral part of the team’s tactical system. But in recent months, De Bruyne’s form and fitness has not been what it used to be. Frequent injuries have cut down his appearances and affected his performance on the field.
Because of this, De Bruyne took the initiative to propose to the club that he would like to postpone the contract renewal negotiations until his physical condition has recovered. Manchester City, on the other hand, respected his choice and did not force the renewal process. Manager Pep Guardiola also made it clear internally that the player should not be under any pressure and should make a decision based on his own wishes.
Man City need a “metabolism”? Veterans leaving the club
Manchester City have fallen out of the Premier League title race this season, which has made the senior management realize that it’s time to renew the team lineup. For the 33-year-old De Bruyne, leaving the team is not exactly the result of compulsion, but more like a way to actively look for new challenges. After all, in the high intensity of the Premier League, age and injury is always a threshold that can not be bypassed.
This time, De Bruyne’s departure is likely to become an important signal of Manchester City’s “blood change” – following Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero and David Silva, another “blue moon dynasty The representative of the “Blue Moon Dynasty” will say goodbye to the team.
Guardiola: both sentimental, but also grateful
Before the team prepared for the Manchester City Derby with Manchester United, Guardiola faced the media talked about the news of De Bruyne’s imminent departure. He spoke with both sadness and gratitude:
“Today is indeed a sad day for people, but it is also a day to celebrate. Because I had the opportunity to work with such a great player for so many years. What he brought to the team was not only goals and assists, but also his character, his desire to win and he made this team stronger.”
Guardiola continued, “What we have achieved in the past is almost unimaginable without him. He is like the engine of the team, always bringing changes at crucial moments. Whenever we say goodbye to players like Kompany, Aguero and Silva, there is always a tinge of regret in our hearts, but that is part of soccer.”
“Blue Moon” career is over, but the friendship will last forever.
De Bruyne’s relationship with City will not come to an end because of the expiration of his contract. Guardiola revealed that the club have indicated to him that the door to City will always be open for him to come back in the future in whatever capacity he wishes – be it as a coach, consultant, or in any other role – for as long as he wants.
“He’s not just a great player, he’s part of this club. His influence has long gone beyond the pitch itself. He is a role model type of figure who has a great place in the dressing room and in the hearts of the fans.”
De Bruyne will still play the rest of the games for City in the coming weeks. Guardiola hopes that his team will be able to play the last 10 games (11 if they reach the Champions League final) so that De Bruyne can complete his swansong as a “Blue Moon Legend” in front of his home fans.
A new start for City, a new journey for De Bruyne?
De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an era at Manchester City and the beginning of another. With ten years of steady performance, countless goals and assists, he has helped City build their own “dynasty”. But the times are changing, the team needs to be constantly updated.
For De Bruyne himself, this may also be a good time to find the next challenge. Is it a move to Saudi Arabia, chasing a high salary? Or return to Belgium and end his career? Or join another European powerhouse and gamble for another Champions League? Whichever way he chooses, his “Blue Moon Story” is already legendary enough.
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