De Bruyne ‘surprised’ over Man City exit

LONDON: Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he was “a bit surprised” to be told his glittering Manchester City career will finish at the end of this season.

De Bruyne recently announced he will leave the Etihad Stadium once the current campaign is over, bringing the curtain down on a memorable era in Manchester for the Belgian midfielder. The 33-year-old arrived from German club Wolfsburg in 2015 and has been instrumental in City’s incredible success during boss Pep Guardiola’s reign.

De Bruyne has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and the 2023 Champions League -- which capped an incredible treble-winning season. Guardiola hinted it was his decision to end De Bruyne’s stay after the playmaker’s struggles with injuries and inconsistent form over the last two seasons.

City have dipped dramatically this term, surrendering their four-year spell as champions and were reduced to focusing on the battle to qualify for the Champions League. But De Bruyne admitted he was shocked not to receive a new contract offer because he believes he can still shine at the highest level.

“I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision,” he said after City’s 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday. “Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. Honestly I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing but I understand clubs have to make decisions.

“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.” De Bruyne said he has not made any decisions about his future as he is concentrating on the race to secure a top-five spot to extend City’s run in the Champions League into a 15th successive season. He has already been linked with moves to Major League Soccer in the United States but he hasn’t ruled out staying in the Premier League or joining a major European club.

“I feel like I still have a lot to give. Obviously I know I’m not 25 any more but I still feel like I can do my job,” he said. “I’m open for anything. I have to look at the whole picture. I’m looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family.

“I like to compete. That’s what I feel so I can’t say that I want to quit because I still feel that whenever I’m in training I want to beat the guys. “I feel like I’m doing really well and that’s why I’ve also played a lot lately.” De Bruyne applauded off at Goodison Park after Saturday’s win, with his performance a bright spot in another spluttering City display. “It’s something really rare to come out and get an applause from another team so I just want to say thank you to them. I think they appreciate the way that I play,” he said.