Kevin De Bruyne didn't hesitate when asked if he'd prefer to play with Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi

Kevin De Bruyne was once asked whether he would prefer to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

On Friday afternoon, it was confirmed that De Bruyne will be leaving Manchester City when the 24/25 season comes to a close.

In an emotional statement posted on social media, the Belgian 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."

Since joining the club in 2015, De Bruyne has played a key role in City's recent history and developed into one of the finest midfielders to ever play in the Premier League.

In total, the 33-year-old has so far made 280 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 70 and assisting 118.

Although De Bruyne is one of the greatest players in modern football history, he isn't quite on the level of Ronaldo and Messi.

Back in 2023, the midfielder was asked to pick between the two football greats to be his teammate.

De Bruyne said: "I would probably say Ronaldo because he’s more of a typical striker.

"Messi is still more of a playmaker. I am a playmaker, you can give me a striker."

Kevin De Bruyne will leave Manchester City this summer. Image: Getty

Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Kevin De Bruyne exit news

Reacting to the De Bruyne news, City boss Pep Guardiola said: "A sad day. And a happy day for the fact the pleasure personally we lived this time with him, what he gave to all of us, his humanity.

"It's not necessary to tell his success with us in the last decade - impossible to imagine without him. A sad day because a part of us is leaving. When Vincent [Kompany] left or Sergio [Aguero] left or David Silva left, their contribution... I can say more names, these three are examples."

He added: "It's a sad day. But still we have 10 games, and hopefully 11, six games at home that still we can enjoy with our fans and he will get - I'm pretty sure - the love and recognition that all of us, fans of course, that he deserves..."

City are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.