Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed he is leaving Manchester City this summer after 10 years at the club – but he once envisioned achieving such success with Liverpool instead
Kevin De Bruyne admitted he supported Liverpool growing up but claimed he could never jump ship from Manchester City. The Belgian midfielder has announced his impending exit from the reigning Premier League champions following a highly successful 10-year spell.
During his reign in the middle of the park at the Etihad, De Bruyne has won 16 trophies since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015 – including six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and three Community Shields.
But his footballing career could have looked a lot different if he had joined his childhood love in the Premier League – Liverpool. De Bruyne has never been secretive about the team he supported growing up, as he told the Match of the Day magazine in 2019 that his favourite player was Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen.
The midfield maestro said: “I was a Liverpool fan. My family that live in England were all Liverpool supporters so I was, too. I loved Michael Owen, because I was really small like him and quick, too. I compared myself to him at the time. I liked [Zinedine] Zidane and Ronaldinho too – those really skilful players.”
During an international break in 2023, De Bruyne was asked a series of questions based on football – including his childhood club. In a video posted by Football Escapes, the City star once again noted that he was a Reds fan growing up, as he said: “When I was young? Liverpool.”
When pushed to answer whether he would sign for Liverpool in the future, he quickly dismissed any notion of this ever happening. But Reds fans may mourn what could have been if not for his unwavering commitment to what has become a legendary status at City.
The 33-year-old took to social media to announce his departure from Manchester, writing: “Dear Manchester, Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading. So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player.
“Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes. That day is here- and you deserve to hear it from me first.
“Football led me to all of you – and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what we won EVERYTHING.”
He added: “Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michele, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. ‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports- and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.
“We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, KDB.”
There has been much speculation about De Bruyne’s future with moves to Saudi Arabia or the United States being floated around, but there is yet to be any concrete connections made. As the midfielder leaves an icon in sky blue, with 413 appearances, 106 goals and 118 assists to his name, City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted that a huge part of the club’s identity will leave with De Bruyne.
Guardiola paid tribute to his number 17 as he said in his pre-match press conference for Sunday’s Manchester derby: “A sad day but a happy day for the fact that I had the pleasure personally to live this time with him.
“What he gave us, all of us, with his humanity and his influence in our success in the last decade. Of course, part of us is leaving. When Vincent [Kompany] or Sergio [Aguero] or David [Silva] left, these players have contributions.
“He’s one of the greatest in this country. Always I have to be careful for the respect for the players that have played incredible roles, but there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure. The doors are open here for the rest of his life. He’s part of this family, this club.”
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