Pep Guardiola reveals why Kevin De Bruyne has decided to leave Manchester City

The Belgian midfielder announced he will leave at the end of the season.

Pep Guardiola sheds light on Kevin De Bruyne’s decision to leave Manchester City. The midfielder announced he would leave the club after the end of the season. However, the Spanish manager revealed it was the club’s decision for the player’s exit in the upcoming summer break.

After 10 seasons with the eight-time Premier League champions, winning 16 trophies, featuring six Premier League crowns and a Champions League, De Bruyne confirmed his exit from Manchester City on Friday. With his contract also expiring, the Belgian midfielder will become a free agent and can join any club for free.

The former Chelsea star became a well-known figure at the club and led the team to three Premier League titles in a row.

As discussions of a contract extension remained off the radar, several questions were raised throughout the season over De Bruyne’s willingness to leave City this summer.

But Guardiola has now acknowledged that City did not offer the Belgian a new contract, and the Catalan tactician talked about how hard it was to deliver the news to the Premier League great.

Speaking to the media, Guardiola said: “The decision has been made for the club, and the club is the club. Me, Txiki [Begiristain, sporting director], and the club, so this is what it is. It was not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue.

“The last year and a half, he was out injured because he gave everything for the club. Everything he had in his body and his mind, he’s done it, so there’s no doubt about it.”

🚨 Pep Guardiola confirms Man City did NOT offer Kevin De Bruyne a new deal: “The decision has been made for the club”. pic.twitter.com/MJ2LADT2xK

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 5, 2025

Since the Belgian has been connected to several clubs, including several in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer, his future is still uncertain.

Now, City’s main emphasis will be finding his replacement in the summer. Given the void the player will leave in the City’s midfield, it will certainly be challenging to find a player of his calibre.

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