Kevin De Bruyne has officially confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, penning an emotional open letter to supporters that may serve as an example for Trent Alexander-Arnold as his own future continues to unfold in the shadows.
The Belgian midfielder revealed his decision on Friday afternoon, stating: “You deserve to hear it from me first.”
His heartfelt message acknowledged the journey he has taken with City, and the bond he shares with the fans – a classy, transparent farewell befitting of one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.
Dear Manchester. ? pic.twitter.com/2EdhVYOLti
— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) April 4, 2025
“This city. This club. These people…gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back. And guess what – we won EVERYTHING,” De Bruyne wrote.
“Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together!”
At 33 and with his influence on the pitch fading, the timing of De Bruyne’s exit feels right. A move to Saudi Arabia is reportedly on the cards, and while his departure marks the end of an era at the Etihad, it also sets a standard for how to leave a club with dignity.
Alexander-Arnold’s exit: The radio silence is deafening
While Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation differs – at 26, he’s still in his prime – the lack of transparency surrounding his expected move to Real Madrid has left many Liverpool fans frustrated and disappointed.
Though no official agreement has been announced, it’s widely reported that a deal is virtually done, with Alexander-Arnold having made up his mind to leave Anfield in the summer.
Unlike De Bruyne, however, he has remained silent as the story plays out via leaks to the Spanish press, rather than a direct message to the fans who have supported him from the start.
The result? A growing sense of disillusionment among Liverpool supporters, with some beginning to question whether Trent can still be considered a true club legend.
There’s no doubt a tribute will come once his departure is confirmed. He’ll likely speak on his love for the club, the city, and its people. But by that point, the damage may already be done.
Andy Robertson and co. forced to cover and protect Alexander-Arnold from media scrutiny
Another example of why Alexander-Arnold’s radio silence has been an issue is that it forces his teammates and colleagues to cover for him.
When asked about it, Robertson replied saying it’s simply a case of Trent being down about being injured.
“Trent’s head is not great because he’s injured,” Robertson said.
“He hates being injured, none of us like being injured but it hurts Trent a little bit more. That’s all he is focused on.
“It is impossible for me to say we have not seen all the noise and everyone commenting on it. But for us our focus is for him to get back fit and healthy. Once he does that, what will happen, will happen. No one knows that yet. People can talk and speculate but for us we want Trent back very soon.”
Timing is everything
If Alexander-Arnold had followed De Bruyne’s example – acknowledging his decision early and speaking directly to the fanbase – the tone of the narrative might have been entirely different.
Instead, a Liverpool great may now be remembered less for his brilliance on the pitch and more for how his time at the club quietly unravelled in the background.
It’s not too late for Trent to control the message and say goodbye the right way.
But if De Bruyne’s approach is anything to go by, the best time to speak up… was yesterday.
