The Belgian playmaker played for City at the Etihad Stadium for the final time during the 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday (20.05.25) that gave them a huge boost in the race for the Champions League and admits it will be strange to move on from a club where he has spent the past 10 years.

De Bruyne said in post-match speech: "[It feels] a bit weird. It's been an unbelievable ride.

"I want to bring joy to people, play offensive football, creative, that is what I am on the pitch and I want to have fun. It was a joy working really hard and creating something for this club. I'm super proud."

He added: "Everybody has pushed me so hard inside and outside the club to be the best version of myself and these guys in front of me have made me better than I was before.

"It's an honour to play with these guys. I've made so many friends for life."

De Bruyne missed a gilt-edged chance to mark his swansong Etihad appearance with a goal and joked that his son wouldn't let him live the moment down.

He said: "It's terrible. There's no excuses. My son is going to be very tough on me today."

The City supporters gave De Bruyne a rapturous reception at the end of the game and manager Pep Guardiola says it was a special moment.

The coach said: "Everybody saw how much the people from Manchester City are connected with him and his family and how much love [they have].

"Titles are nice and everything that he has achieved, but when you leave after 10 years with this much respect and gratitude, there is nothing else better than that.

"I am part of that, the club will take the decision, but it is a sad day and he will be missed, there is no doubt about that."