Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne have struck up an impressive partnership throughout their three years together at Manchester City but the Belgian will soon depart
Erling Haaland gave Kevin De Bruyne a hug and a kiss when he reported for training – underlining his love for the outgoing Manchester City star. The Belgian has just a few weeks left as a player at the Etihad.
City have opted against offering De Bruyne a new contract when his deal runs out in the summer and he is now free to leave. The 33-year-old has spent a decade in Manchester, helping the club dominate English football under Pep Guardiola.
Over the past three seasons, Haaland has been able to benefit from De Bruyne’s quality with the playmaker renowned for his vision and passing. The Norwegian’s first goal from open play in the Premier League was assisted by De Bruyne.
He remains a much loved and much respected character in the City dressing room and Haaland, who was spent a prolonged period on the sidelines, was filmed on the training pitch showing De Bruyne plenty of affection with hugs and a kiss.
Ever since he moved to Manchester in 2022, Haaland has waxed lyrical about the quality possessed by the Belgian, who has twice been named the PFA Player of the Year, with the former Chelsea man having an eye for his runs.
READ MORE: Man City confirm date for Kevin De Bruyne farewell match after summer snubREAD MORE: Pep Guardiola confirms when he thinks Erling Haaland can return for Man City
He said in the past: “It’s insane, the passes, we find each other. I have only been at the club a couple of months, but the chemistry feels so natural. This may be the best part. It’s natural, that I go on the run, and he finds me. When this feels natural, there is nothing better. It is fantastic, it is really something special.”
De Bruyne will get the chance to wave goodbye to the City fans for the final time when they host Bournemouth in just over a fortnight. The clash has been moved with the Manchester outfit in the FA Cup final, but the Belgian will address the supporters at full-time.
The Belgian leaves with six Premier League titles, two FA Cups as well as the Champions League. Many regard him as the club’s greatest-ever player and De Bruyne himself is adamant he can continue operating at the top level as he ponders his next move.
He said recently: “I have to look at the whole picture. I’m looking at sportive, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family. I don’t know what that is, because it depends on when you speak to people and what they say about projects or something. Like I said, I still feel like I can play at a good level, but then after I’ll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more.”
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