Manchester City confirm first plans for Kevin De Bruyne farewell ceremony | OneFootball

A statement from Manchester City has provided fans with a first look at the ceremony planned for the farewell of Kevin De Bruyne from the football club this month.

Following talks between Manchester City and the legendary Belgian midfielder, it was confirmed that no contractual renewal of De Bruyne’s terms would be offered and as such would enable the player to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.

It is widely expected that Manchester City will see De Bruyne leave the English game this summer, with Major League Soccer expected to be the destination for the 33-year-old as The Chicago Fire lead the chase for his signature at present.

But there remains plenty of work to do for both the player and the club this season, with UEFA Champions League qualification via a top-five finish in the Premier League still the priority, and the chance of silverware via the FA Cup.

And ahead of Manchester City’s final four games in the English top-flight, the club have now confirmed details surrounding what will be the final home match for Kevin De Bruyne as a Sky Blue star.

A club statement confirmed that their final home game of the 2024/25 Premier League season against Bournemouth will take place on Tuesday 20 May, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 (UK) due to the club’s participation in the FA Cup Final.

As such, the meeting with the Cherries will also mark Kevin De Bruyne’s final outing on the Etihad Stadium pitch, with Manchester City confirming to supporters the initial plans that are in place for the Belgian’s farewell.

The club said on Thursday, “There will be a post-match presentation with Kevin (De Bruyne) and fans will have the chance to hear from him one final time as he addresses the crowd inside the Etihad.”

The statement from the club continued, “The Club will confirm precise details of the nature of our farewell to King Kev nearer to the fixture.”

Manchester City will take on Crystal Palace in the 2025 FA Cup Final the preceding Saturday afternoon in what will be an opportunity for Kevin De Bruyne to close out his career at the Etihad Stadium with a major trophy.

The Belgium international has already won the FA Cup on two previous occasions as a Manchester City player under Pep Guardiola, claiming the honour as part of a domestic quadruple and a wider treble in 2019 and 2023 respectively.