Grealish’s Solo Farewell Exit Contrasts Foden and Haaland’s Celebrations with Partners

Kevin De Bruyne Bids Emotional Farewell to Manchester City
[Image: Kevin De Bruyne with teammates at his farewell dinner]

Kevin De Bruyne celebrated his illustrious Manchester City career with a star-studded farewell dinner in Manchester, attended by teammates, manager Pep Guardiola, and their families. The Belgian midfielder, who leaves City after a decade and 16 trophies—including six Premier League titles and a Champions League—hosted the event ahead of his summer departure.

A Night to Remember
Jack Grealish, known for his lively antics, was the last to leave the festivities at 1:35 AM, navigating past a tipsy staff member in his signature ripped jeans. Guardiola arrived in typical low-key fashion, cycling to the venue with earbuds in, slightly sweaty from the ride. The intimate gathering allowed players to unwind, with Erling Haaland leaving just before 1:00 AM with his girlfriend Isabel Johansen, while Bernardo Silva and his wife humorously donned De Bruyne masks. Phil Foden and his longtime partner Rebecca Cooke also joined, showcasing the close-knit bond within the squad.

[Image: Pep Guardiola arriving by bike at the farewell party]

An Etihad Send-Off
The dinner followed an emotional tribute at the Etihad Stadium after City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth. De Bruyne, accompanied by his wife Michele and their three children, was honored with a glowing ceremony. Fireworks lit up the pitch as current and former teammates formed a guard of honor. Guardiola, visibly moved, wiped away tears during De Bruyne’s speech. “Manchester is home,” the Belgian declared, reflecting on his family’s connection to the city and the club’s transformation into a global powerhouse.

[Image: De Bruyne emotional during his farewell presentation]

Legacy Cemented
De Bruyne’s 421 appearances for City were marked by creativity and relentless drive. Despite missing a sitter in his final home game, fans chanted, “We want you to stay,” as he called the club “a part of me forever.” The team announced a statue in his honor, joining legends like Vincent Kompany and David Silva. Former stars Sergio Agüero, Kompany, and Raheem Sterling delivered heartfelt video messages, with Agüero joking, “You’re a legend… and me too!”

[Image: Fans holding up De Bruyne banners at the Etihad]

Final Goodbye
De Bruyne thanked fans for their unwavering support: “You’ve pushed me to be my best.” As he concluded, the crowd erupted, serenading him one last time. The night ended with a lap of honor, his children in tow, and a playful toss into the air by teammates.

Though his next destination remains undisclosed, De Bruyne’s legacy at City is indelible. As Guardiola quipped, “There’s footballers, and there’s legends—he’s a legend.”

[Image: De Bruyne’s statue announcement outside the Etihad Stadium]

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