Update: |Erling Haaland breaks silence on Kevin De Bruyne’s Man City exit amid heartbreaking realisation News

Erling Haaland has paid tribute to Manchester City teammate Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian confirmed he is leaving the Etihad.

Erling Haaland needed few words to sum up Kevin De Bruyne’s legacy at Manchester City.

A teammate for two-and-a-half years but a fan for eight years previously, Haaland has benefitted plenty of times from De Bruyne’s wicked right foot. The pair combined plenty of times in the treble season, mostly De Bruyne setting up Haaland – but the Norwegian did save a rare assist for the Belgian when the Blues blew Arsenal away.

Haaland signed up for nine more years at City this year – a spell that would surpass De Bruyne’s decade at the club if he stays until 2034. With Haaland injured for around seven weeks, there is a real possibility the devastating duo have played together for the final time.

Haaland could return for the final week of the season, plus a potential FA Cup final. They could also share the pitch at the Club World Cup, however De Bruyne’s involvement in that competition is not guaranteed however as his contract expires midway through it and an extension to cover the knockout stages comes with other considerations over simply wanting to end De Bruyne’s City career as a World Champion.

That leaves just one potential game for Haaland and De Bruyne to link up together again based on the seven-week timeframe and doubts over the Club World Cup. While that prospect may be somewhat heartbreaking, Haaland nevertheless paid tribute to his teammate on social media with a picture of the pair after a goal this season.

His caption read: “There’s only one Kevin,” accompanied by a crown. City fans have long named De Bruyne ‘King Kev’, giving him a status on a par with Colin Bell. And it seems Haaland is in full agreement.

Other City players paying tribute included Phil Foden, who wrote: ‘Gutted that you’re leaving but so grateful to have shared the pitch with you. Jack Grealish said: “One of the reasons I joined Man City was to play alongside you brother! The BEST I’ve ever had the pleasure to play with, for sure. Legend!”

John Stones added: “An absolute artist like no other and a legend forever on the pitch. Off the pitch, an even better person and friend, Will cherish every moment I’ve had with you brother.”

Manuel Akanji mirrored Haaland’s high praise by writing: “Best CAM ever. It’s been a real pleasure to play with you.” He added a goat emoji to signal the ‘greatest of all time.’

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