Kevin De Bruyne: Man City's drop in performance 'a big shock' to everyone

The Belgian midfielder, who has played his final home game for City, reflected on a campaign that has seen the reigning champions fall to third in the Premier League with 68 points from 37 games.

The contrast to last season is stark. In 2023/24, City lifted the Premier League trophy with 91 points, finishing two ahead of Arsenal. Now, they find themselves well off the pace as Liverpool have run away with the title.

"It's hard. It's hard to keep winning and to always push yourself," he said.

"But I don't think it's something we can explain because I don't feel like people would necessarily understand what it takes sometimes to be an athlete.

"The limits don't exist, the limit is the next limit.

"You push yourself up and up and up until there is a moment where maybe it goes down a little bit but then you see it with this year if you go down a little bit it's a big shock to everybody.

"I think the good thing about sport is that you can't win all the time and even if you want to, sometimes if you are a little bit less at this level it's impossible to replicate.

"But I think it shows the consistency that we have done for so many years you know even with the four in a row nobody did it.

"There is a reason why that is. It's really hard."

De Bruyne's departure brings to a close a remarkable 10-year spell in Manchester. During his time at the club, he helped City win six Premier League titles in eight seasons, along with five League Cups, two FA Cups, one Champions League - the club's first - a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Renowned for his creativity, vision, and consistency, De Bruyne has been central to City's era of dominance. His farewell marks the end of a defining chapter in the club's history. 

READ MORE: Napoli crowned Serie A champions after tense season finale