KEVIN DE BRUYNE STUNS FANS BY CLAIMING MAN CITY DRESSING ROOM HAD “ROTTED” BEFORE HIS EXIT
Former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly shocked football fans after allegedly revealing that Manchester City’s dressing room had already “rotted” before his departure, with the Belgian midfielder said to have become deeply frustrated by the atmosphere behind the scenes during his final months at the club.
De Bruyne, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of the Pep Guardiola era, enjoyed enormous success during his time at the Etihad and established himself as one of the best midfielders in Premier League history.
The Belgian international helped Manchester City dominate English football, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups and the Champions League while becoming one of the club’s most influential figures on and off the pitch.
However, fresh reports now suggest De Bruyne’s final period at Manchester City was far more toxic than supporters initially realised.
According to reports emerging from European media, the former City midfielder allegedly admitted that the dressing room atmosphere had already become “rotted” before he decided to leave the club.
Sources close to the situation claim De Bruyne felt tensions between senior players had grown significantly during City’s final years of dominance, with pressure, egos and internal frustrations slowly damaging the unity that once defined Guardiola’s side.
The alleged revelation immediately sent social media into meltdown.
Manchester City supporters were left stunned by the reports, especially considering the dominant image the squad maintained throughout their years of success under Guardiola.
One supporter wrote online: “If De Bruyne really said the dressing room had rotted, then something serious was happening behind closed doors.”
Another fan posted: “This changes everything about the end of that City era.”
A third comment read: “Winning was covering up the cracks.”
Speculation surrounding dressing room tension at Manchester City has existed for years, particularly during periods of intense pressure inside Guardiola’s squad.
Many supporters have previously questioned whether competition for places, massive expectations and the relentless demands of Guardiola’s system eventually created fractures behind the scenes.
Despite those rumours, Manchester City continued winning trophies and maintained their reputation as one of Europe’s most disciplined and united squads.
But according to the latest reports, the atmosphere inside the dressing room had already started deteriorating long before De Bruyne’s departure.
The constant pressure of competing for every major trophy, combined with growing uncertainty surrounding squad roles and the future of several senior players, reportedly created a toxic environment behind closed doors.
De Bruyne eventually brought an end to his legendary spell at Manchester City after cementing himself as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
At the time, many supporters believed the Belgian simply felt his cycle at the Etihad had naturally reached its conclusion.
But the latest claims have now fuelled growing speculation that serious dressing room problems may also have influenced his decision.
Social media quickly exploded following the reports.
Some supporters defended De Bruyne for speaking honestly about the reality of elite football dressing rooms, arguing that tensions are inevitable inside squads filled with world-class personalities competing under relentless pressure every season.
Others, however, admitted they were stunned to hear such strong claims connected to Guardiola’s Manchester City side, which many fans still consider one of the greatest teams English football has ever seen.
One particularly viral comment stated: “No dressing room becomes rotten overnight.”
Another supporter posted: “The downfall clearly started long before fans noticed.”
The reports have also reignited debate surrounding Manchester City’s demanding environment under Guardiola, with some supporters questioning whether the constant pressure for perfection eventually became mentally exhausting for players.
Many fans now believe internal tensions may have quietly contributed to cracks forming inside the squad despite the club’s continued success on the pitch.
De Bruyne’s departure is still viewed by many supporters as the symbolic end of one of Manchester City’s greatest eras.
The Belgian midfielder was not only one of the club’s best players but also one of the dressing room’s biggest leaders and personalities.
That is why the latest reports have created such enormous reaction across the football world.
Even rival supporters have expressed surprise at the idea that Guardiola’s legendary Manchester City side may have been dealing with such serious internal problems behind the scenes.
Despite the controversy surrounding the reports, De Bruyne’s legacy at Manchester City remains untouchable for many fans.
The Belgian continues to be remembered as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history and one of the most important players ever to wear a Manchester City shirt.
But if the claims surrounding City’s “rotted” dressing room are true, they may completely change how supporters view the final years of one of football’s most dominant modern dynasties.