Guardiola in tears as Kevin De Bruyne bids goodbye to Man City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was visibly emotional on Tuesday night as club legend Kevin De Bruyne said his final goodbye to the Etihad Stadium, bringing an end to a glittering decade-long career with the Premier League giants.

De Bruyne, 33, is set to leave Manchester City this summer as a free agent, with the club opting not to renew his contract.

His departure marks the end of an era that saw the Belgian maestro lift six Premier League titles and a historic UEFA Champions League trophy, cementing his place as one of City’s greatest-ever players.

Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, City’s final home match of the 2024/25 campaign, served as a poignant farewell for De Bruyne.

Though he came close to scoring, the midfielder couldn’t find the net, but the result helped City climb to third in the table and keep their Champions League hopes alive.

After the final whistle, the Etihad lights dimmed as De Bruyne emerged onto the pitch with his wife, Michele Lacroix, and their three children – Mason, Rome, and Suri – for one final moment in front of the fans.

The stadium erupted in chants of his name, honouring his decade of brilliance and dedication.

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City players, coaching staff, and officials formed a guard of honour as De Bruyne walked to the centre circle, surrounded by fireworks and shimmering lights.

Overcome with emotion, Guardiola was seen wiping away tears as the two men embraced — a powerful image capturing the deep bond between manager and player.

When asked about the moment, De Bruyne, fighting back tears, simply said: “Very emotional.”

While his next destination remains unknown, De Bruyne’s legacy at Manchester City is firmly etched into club history. His vision, passing, and leadership helped shape one of the most successful periods in City’s history, and his farewell was a fitting tribute to a modern great.