Kevin De Bruyne admitted that he suffered in the days after the decision of Manchester City not to offer him a new contract, with the current ending in the summer
There has not been much to stop Kevin De Bruyne one of the Premier League -Groten – and nothing would stop his frank opinions about his career in Manchester City. Even if they were in hearing distance of the two men who seem to have exercised the ax, Etihad CEO Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Begiristain.
And for the good measure, incoming sports director Hugo Viana was also in the tight Goodison Park -Gang next to the changing rooms when the Belgian bare his soul. Safe to say that the 33-year-old is not too happy because he is told that his time is in the city. “They were Txiki and Ferran who told me.” He revealed.
When the city hierarchy was noticed to him just a few meters away, he continued: “I don't feel awkward with them (being in the hallway). In the end it is what it is. You have to accept people who make decisions. I also told them that I still think I had a lot to give. I clearly know that I am not 25 more anymore.
“It came as a bit of a shock. I am open to everything (including stay in the Premier League). I have to look at the whole photo, sport, the family, everything together, which is most logical for my family. I don't know what it is. It depends on when you talk to people about projects and things.
“I know I can play at a good level. I have to make that decision as soon as I really know more (of the offers).” De Bruyne, who was enormously instrumental in a hard -earned victory that increases the chance of Champions League qualification, admitted that he suffered in the days after the city's decision not to offer him a new contract with the current ending in the summer.
“It was half a week before I reported the news. My family wasn't at home either. They were in an Easter vacation. It was a bit weird, but it is what it is,” De Bruyne added.
“It was a very short meeting. I don't really feel that I want to share what was said because it was actually more businesslike to them. They just made the decision based on that. It was not really a long conversation. It was exactly what they told me and I have to accept the situation, although I have the feeling that I can still do it well, that's it.
“I like to play football, I like to compete. I can't say I want to stop because I still feel when I am in training, I still want to beat the boys in the club. I have the feeling that I am doing very well and that's why I have played a lot lately.”
De Bruyne is also of the opinion that the overwhelming season of the city in stark contrast with the previous four title -winning campaigns has contributed to the end of his imperious reign.
“Maybe if the team had not struggled and I would have returned as now and if normal, they might have made a different decision – I don't know,” he added.
“Like I said, I believe I am in good condition. I have come across the hernia injury and as I have said before in the past six or seven weeks, I feel good. The rhythm is coming and I train very hard.
“No, I don't think the decision will change, despite how I play.” I don't know about the club world cup (in the summer), I don't know. “What he does know is that he has contributed to three important points with late goals from Nico O'Reilly and Mateo Kovacic.