Kevin De Bruyne says that he will “probably” not play for Manchester City at the Club World Cup to prevent an injury that could damage his offer to find a new club.
De Bruyne will leave the city after 10 years when his contract ends in the end of the season, but there has been speculation that he could sign a short -term agreement to stay on Pep Guardiola's side for the Club World Cup.
The first of two summer transfer windows is an additional registration period created by FIFA for teams involved in the Club World Cup, so that players in De Bruyne's situation can remain effective for the tournament.
The City opening match is against the Moroccan club Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18.
However, it is unlikely that the 33-year-old will be involved, since his plans for the future have not currently been resolved.
“It makes no sense. But that happens when you turn on new tournaments in the middle of a contract situation,” De Bruyne said.
“I have to take care of myself, because if I get injured in the World Cup Club, what am I going to do then? Nobody is going to take care of me at the time, so there is a good chance that I will probably not play it, but I may not know, maybe yes.”
De Bruyne has helped City to Six Premier League titles and Champions League Glory since the signing in 2015.
But what is probably his last showpiece with City ended in disappointment when Crystal Palace won 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday in Wembley.
'Not the season we wanted'
The midfielder of Belgium is not in a hurry to make a decision about his future, but does not exclude a move to another Premier League club and admitted that he has already had conversations with some lovers.
Asked after the FA Cup final if he ideally wants to stay in the English top flight, De Bruyne said: “I don't know. It depends on who's coming.
“I have a family, I have young children, I have to take care of a decision that suits everyone, not only me. When I was 20 years old and alone, I could make a decision that was very easy, but now it is a bit more complex.”
The inconsistent representation of De Bruyne in the cup -final underlined why Guardiola was willing to renounce a city icon whose career has been destroyed in the past two years by injuries.
Printed on the question whether or not his next employers could be in the Premier League, De Bruyne replied: “Maybe.”
After four consecutive titles prior to this season, it has been a bleak campaign according to the high standards of the city.
But City is still fighting for a Champions League place next season, with Tuesday's home game against Bournemouth and a trip to Fulham on 25 May with a chance to climb back in the top five.
“Of course it is not the season we wanted. We always want to win, but we didn't do it this season,” said De Bruyne.
“You have to take it on the chin, and sometimes it's not the way you want, but we tried it, and you have to go on.
“I think I have won much more than others compared to many players, so I will be happy and grateful for what we have done as a team, what they have given me.”