Jack Grealish, Toni Kroos Hail Kevin De Bruyne as Man City Star Confirms End of Season Exit

Jack Grealish and Toni Kroos Hail Kevin De Bruyne as Man City Star Confirms Exit
By Zac Campbell | Updated: 15:25 BST, 4 April 2025

Jack Grealish led emotional tributes to Kevin De Bruyne after the Manchester City midfielder announced he will leave the club this summer, ending a glittering nine-year stint. Sharing a heartfelt Instagram post, Grealish credited De Bruyne as a pivotal reason for joining City in 2021, calling him "the best I’ve ever played with."

[IMAGE: De Bruyne and Grealish celebrating the 2023 FA Cup win | Caption: The duo helped secure City’s historic treble in 2022–23.]

Grealish, 29, posted a collage of their on-and-off-field moments, writing: “One of the reasons I joined City was to play alongside you, brother! Legend! #kevindebruyne.” His sentiment echoed across the football world, with Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos tweeting simply: “Special player. Congrats!”

[IMAGE: Toni Kroos’ tweet tribute | Caption: Kroos praised De Bruyne amid the Belgian’s farewell announcement.]

De Bruyne, 33, revealed his departure in an open letter to fans, expressing gratitude for a decade of success. “We won EVERYTHING,” he wrote. “Manchester will forever be in our hearts… this has been the best chapter.” The playmaker joined City in 2015, becoming a club icon with 98 goals and 166 assists in 382 appearances.

Legacy of a Treble-Winning Duo
Grealish and De Bruyne were instrumental in City’s 2022–23 treble triumph. The Belgian notched 10 goals and a staggering 29 assists that season, while Grealish added five goals and 11 assists. Their partnership peaked in the Champions League final, where City clinched their first European title.

[IMAGE: Grealish and De Bruyne with the Champions League trophy | Caption: The pair celebrated European glory in 2023.]

Manager Mikel Arteta, who worked with De Bruyne as Guardiola’s assistant, hailed him as “one of the Premier League’s greatest.” Fans and peers alike praised his vision, work ethic, and leadership.

An Emotional Farewell
De Bruyne’s letter highlighted his family’s connection to Manchester, calling it their “home” despite his impending exit. “Let’s enjoy these last moments together,” he concluded. While his next destination remains unconfirmed, Saudi Arabia and MLS clubs are speculated suitors.

[IMAGE: De Bruyne in action for Manchester City | Caption: De Bruyne’s brilliance defined an era at the Etihad.]

As tributes poured in, City supporters reminisced about his iconic goals, including vital strikes against Real Madrid, PSG, and in pivotal Premier League clashes. His departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a Premier League and City great is secured.

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Stay tuned for updates on De Bruyne’s next move.