Kevin De Bruyne confirmed he would leave Manchester City at the end of the season following the club’s decision not to renew his contract. The Belgian midfielder expressed his surprise and disappointment at not receiving a new offer from the club, despite his belief that he could still perform at the highest level. De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an era for City, as he has been a pivotal figure in their recent successes.
Kevin De Bruyne said: “I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision. I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. It’s fine. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level, like I’m showing. The decision has been taken and since then I just want to play football like I always have. I need to look at the future, start speaking to people.”
De Bruyne, who is 33, admitted uncertainty about his participation in this summer’s Club World Cup with Manchester City, leaving the possibility that he might only have a few games left at the Etihad Stadium. Speaking candidly at Goodison Park, he reflected on the club’s decision-making process, suggesting it might have been influenced by the team’s overall struggles rather than his individual performance.
De Bruyne continued: “I have to accept the situation, even if I feel like I can still do a good job, but that’s it. I have to accept people taking decisions, I told them also, I feel like I still have a lot to give. Obviously, I know I’m not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job.”
The meeting with City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano was described by De Bruyne as brief and business-oriented. He acknowledged that the decision might have been different had the team not faced challenges this season.
De Bruyne added: “It’s basically more business-wise for them, they just make decisions based on that. It was not really a long conversation, it was just what they told me and then there’s nothing. I’m looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family.”
Despite the unexpected news, De Bruyne remained focused on his future, emphasizing his readiness to explore new opportunities and projects that align with his personal and professional goals.
He concluded: “It’s also basically why they’ve made the decision because the whole team have struggled. Maybe if the team didn’t struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal then maybe they take another decision. I don’t know. They told me what the decision was and I can’t say what they think on the inside. I still think I’m in good shape, I played way more than I did last year except the hernia. I still feel like I can play at a good level, but then after I’ll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more.”
As De Bruyne prepares to leave Manchester City, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where the talented midfielder will continue his illustrious career.
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