I can't speak for every City fan, but I suspect many of a certain age feel like me..
It's always a shame to see players going when they've been stalwarts at the club, adopted a professional attitude, and quite frankly came to the club when 'the project' was unproven - and a bit of a gamble for a top pro.
When a player joins City, I want them to fall in love with us (naively, admittedly).
When they put in a solid effort, week in week out, they'll get no complaints from me.
When it's time for them to go, I like the club and the fans to be genuine in their thanks.
Nigel De Jong (in my opinion) deserves plenty of praise, as does Mark Hughes for bringing him to us.
Farewell Nigel, and thanks for the memories, and the club is in a better place for your efforts.