Kevin De Bruyne suggested that his teammates from Manchester City do not want him to leave the club after scoring the only goal in the crucial 1-0 victory on Wolves.
De Bruyne scored in the 35th minute when City achieved a fourth consecutive Premier League victory and tightened their handle in a qualifying place of Champions League.
It could be De Bruyne's ultimate goal in the Etihad Stadium, whereby City only has a home game – against Bournemouth on May 20 – before he leaves as a free agent.
When it was announced that his contract would not be extended last month, boss Pep Guardiola said it was a “club decision”, and De Bruyne repeated that he did not want to go.
De Bruyne spoke after the Sky Sports game after Friday's game and outlined his conviction that he can still contribute to the highest level.
“I try to play as much good football as I can,” he said. “I know I only have one home game left, but I just try to do my job and that's what I did today.
“Many teammates have said it is sad that I have to go too, but that is sometimes the case in life.
“I don't know what the future will be, but I know I can still play here.
“I still enjoy it and we still have a job to do. Today it was a difficult game, but we have found a way to win. Now we can just relax and see what the other teams do.”
City is now two points free from Newcastle United, four ahead of Chelsea and Nottingham Forest and seven above Aston Villa, with all their rivals for a top five finish in action between Saturday and Monday.
The Guardiola team is confronted with Southampton, Bournemouth and Fulham in their last three league matches of 2024-25, while on 17 May they will record Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
“It has been a difficult year, but we find a bit of a groove,” said De Bruyne. “We win the games we need, so let's hope we can end the season like this.”
De Bruyne has now scored 30 Premier League goals since he turned 30 – the only players who score more for city of 30 years or older are Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero (41 each).
The Belgian also has 11 targeted involvement in 10 Premier League performances against Wolves (six goals, five assists), the joint of each player alongside Mohamed Salah.
In his own interview after the game with Sky Sports, Guardiola rejected suggestions that City De Bruyne could still hold, although he also described the midfielder as irreplacibly.
“We will just thank. What can I say? We are happy that he finishes this way, we only have one game with him at Etihad,” Guardiola said about De Bruyne.
“I want the best for Kevin, it would not be possible without him … What we have done in the past nine years. The situation is what it is.
“We cannot replace these players. It is not only their versions, but also how they belong in the hearts of the fans.”