City Watch: Stalemate in the derby as City star announces his departure

Following the conclusion of the derby on Sunday, I was stuck thinking about what I’d actually write about the game. 

In brutal honesty, it was one of the most passive derbies I’ve ever seen. 

So, I’ll save the borefest of talking through Sunday’s game for a little further down the column, because first, I want to talk about the news that came out on Friday.

Seeing the news on Friday morning that Kevin De Bruyne had announced his own departure from the club in the summer almost shook me to my core. 

We all knew it was most likely coming, but despite that, I don’t think it can prepare you for when the news actually hits. 

For some context, I was 14 years old when Kevin joined Manchester City from Wolfsburg, so for most of my time watching the team, De Bruyne has been ever present.

The Belgian departing also marks the last City player out of the team Pep Guardiola inherited when he joined the club. 

There’s so many reasons why this is such devastating news, but I don’t want to make it depressing, I’d rather celebrate Kev’s achievements. And that’s a long list…

A six time Premier League Champion, two time FA Cup Champion (potentially three), five time League Cup Champion and a UEFA Champions League winner. 

There’s the Community Shields, Super Cup and Club World Cup in there for good measure as well. 

Not only just the trophies, but De Bruyne was a crucial part of the team that won history’s only domestic treble, the four Premier League titles in a row, and the infamous treble.

I could list his goal and assist stats and speak about them extensively, but you’ll be hearing that everywhere, so instead I’ll say this. 

What has been special about Kevin is not just the sheer volume of assists and goals, but the range and vision he possesses. 

I could go through examples for days, but there were so many instances where I was left speechless at how Kev had picked out a particular pass.

A statue to go alongside Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Vincent Kompany is only a matter of time, as he was slightly involved in that era too. 

Before I briefly talk about the derby and upcoming games, I’d like to just say, and I don’t think he’ll see this but I’ll say it anyway, thank you for everything Kevin.

I won’t speak too much about the game on the weekend, I didn’t manage to get a ticket for the game, and as I almost fell asleep on my sofa, I was half glad I didn’t. 

Neither team seemed to lay a glove on the other, it was very passive and disappointing. 

There weren’t even many chances to discuss, they left us with barely any talking points.

This weekend we play Crystal Palace in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium, with the race for the top five now heating up!