Man City ‘can be misplaced’ with out ‘solely vivid spark’ Kevin De Bruyne towards Crystal Palace
Manchester City and Kevin De Bruyne will part ways over the summer – but he looked back to very best during City’s clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday
Kevin De Bruyne has been a one man team at times for Manchester City down the years.
And even as his powers have wained in recent games, City have still looked to their superstar Belgian for inspiration. It was no different on Saturday, City – and to an extent Crystal Palace – played to the beat of De Bruyne’s drum.
Just over one week after he announced he would be leaving in the summer, De Bruyne, 33, with City two goals down, lashed his free-kick into the far corner of the Palace goal.
City had been hapless, they had been poor, but it all changed in the blink of an eye. De Bruyne was at the centre of everything. – and it was his assist that helped the Champions into the lead.
“Where are Manchester City without Kevin De Bruyne,” one fan sighed on social media. “He’s literally put the whole stadium on his shoulders. He’s first to the ball when we lose it, his passing today is there too!”
“The player @ManCity have told to leave the club in the summer, not offering him a new contract, is our only creative spark this afternoon and the only player who looks up for this right now,” a second said.
“De Bruyne is making it clear just how big of a shoe Manchester City needs to replace with his announced departure,” a third shared.
And another added: “I don’t think any of us are ready for this post De Bruyne era. Not even the club…”
De Bruyne announced his departure from the club with an emotional social media post.
He wrote: “Dear Manchester, Seeing this, you probably realise where this is heading.
“So I’ll get straight to it and let you all know that these will be my final months as a Manchester City player. Nothing about this is easy to write, but as football players, we all know this day eventually comes.
“That day is here— and you deserve to hear it from me first. Football led me to all of you—and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life. This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING.
“I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what — we won EVERYTHING. Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family.
“‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports— and more importantly, in each of our hearts. This will always be our HOME.
“We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Every story comes to an end,but this has definitely been the best chapter.
“Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, Kevin”.
