Preamble

Kevin De Bruyne is nearing the 10-year mark since moving from Wolfsburg to Manchester City, a transfer that set the club back a record £55 million. It raised quite a few eyebrows.

This is the same player that Chelsea had let go just a year and a half before, for a mere £18 million. His stint at Stamford Bridge was pretty underwhelming, with just three league outings and not much success under José Mourinho. Yet, he thrived in Germany. The question was: could he succeed in what many call the best league in the world?

The answer? Six Premier League medals, including one from a treble-winning season, alongside a slew of individual accolades. Over 420 appearances for City, he has notched up 108 goals and a staggering 177 assists. And it’s not just the numbers; it’s the way he plays—striking passes, perfectly timed crosses, and an effortless style that’s both beautiful and thrilling to watch. Today, he bids farewell to the Etihad as City prepares to face Bournemouth.

However, this isn’t merely a farewell match. City currently sits sixth, with Champions League qualification still uncertain, and Bournemouth has previously bested them this season. There’s still work to be done before De Bruyne officially says goodbye. Kick-off is at 8 PM BST.