While the players of Manchester City understood their way from the changing rooms in Goodison Park to the team bus waiting for Goodison Road, it told Kevin De Bruyne to stop and speak. The departing city skipper had a number of things to get off his chest.
When the 33-year-old announced at the beginning of April that this would be his last season in Man City, it quickly became apparent that the decision was made by the club instead of De Bruyne himself.
“Whether we like it or not, it's time to say goodbye,” were his words on social media.
De Bruyne spoke with the written media on Saturday evening and revealed that he was shocked and surprised when he was informed by City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain and CEO, Ferran Soriano, during a short meeting that his contract would not be renewed. Pep Guardiola was involved in the decision, but not part of the meeting where De Bruyne was informed.
“There was a little (from shock),” De Bruyne admitted. 'I had no offer from them all year round and the club made a decision. It was clear that I was a bit surprised, but I have to accept it. To be honest, I still think that I can perform at this level as I show, but I understand that clubs have to make decisions, “the Belgian added.
In the days between discovering and becoming public with his social media post, De Bruyne admitted that “it wasn't fun” and he struggled when he came to terms with the fact that this would be his last few months in the city, which would end a decades of stay in Manchester.
'It was half a week until I reported it and it was not fun. My family was not at home. They were on vacation, so it was a bit weird, but it is what it is, “he said.
'After the decision was made and when I came out, it was more a relief when I reported it to the outside world compared to when I knew it and no one else knew. You don't know what to do with the emotion with everyone and how you deal with it in the club. Now it's out, it's fine and people see how I am. I try to do my best and win games for the team. I like playing football, so that's it. '
At the moment in the mixed zone in Everton, 39-year-old Ashley Young walked by and De Bruyne, who admitted that he has no idea whether he will still play at that age, but it is certain that he can still play at a good level.
After the victory of City on Saturday, De Bruyne went to get his son from the end and every decision about his future will be made with his wife and three children, all younger than 10 years, in mind. De Bruyne was associated with a switch to the MLS or the Saudi Pro League, but he refused to exclude a switch to another Premier League club when he becomes a free agent in June.
“I don't feel difficult. I told them (Begiristain and Soriano) that I feel that I still have a lot to give. I know I am not 25 anymore, but I still have the feeling that I can do my work, “he said. 'I am open to everything (next) because I have to look at the whole picture. I look at sporting reasons, family and everything together and what is the most logical for me and my family. I still feel that I can play at a good level, but after I have to make a decision as soon as I really know a little more. '
City is strongly connected to both Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz and after having spent £ 180 million in January, are set for a busy summer in the transfer window while they want to renew an outdated side. Earlier this season Guardiola admitted that he needs players who can handle the hardships of playing with a high intensity twice a week.
Although De Bruyne refused to delve into the reasons he gave through the city because he refused to offer him a contract extension, he believes that the struggle of the city played a role this season, although he believes that those struggles are temporary.
“It's actually why they made the decision because the whole team struggled,” said De Bruyne.
'Maybe if the team did not struggle and I returned the way I did this year and bound as normal, they might make a decision. I don't know – they told me what the decision was and I can't really say what they think inside. I still think I am in good condition, I played much more than last year except the hernia. I feel good and the rhythm is coming.
'I don't feel that I want to share (the exact reasons) because it is in fact more businesslike to them and has made a decision. It wasn't really a long conversation. It was exactly what they told me and then there is nothing. I have to accept the situation, even though I have the feeling that I can still do well, but that's it. '
Only Ryan Giggs (162) has more Premier League assists than De Bruyne (119), who has won 16 trophies in City. His contract will officially expire during the club World Cup, which will be held from June to July, although he is still in the dark about whether he will appear in the US for the city. “I don't know,” De Bruyne said, when he is asked if he will prevent in the United States.
If he doesn't, his last city match will be the last league match against Bournemouth or the FA Cup final, if they win their semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Anyway, De Bruyne will be the last player who leaves the city in the first team before the arrival of Guardiola in 2016 and that in itself will mark the end of an era that City won everything, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.