Kevin De Bruyne mentioned he proved he “can nonetheless play right here” after the departing Manchester Metropolis midfielder delivered an important profitable aim in his workforce’s quest to qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League on Friday.
The 33-year-old Belgian, who introduced final month that he would depart the workforce as soon as his contract expires on the season’s finish, scored the lone aim in Man Metropolis’s 1-0 win over Wolves to raise them into third place within the Premier League and hold them as agency favourites to take one of many Champions League locations.
After his penultimate sport at Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne, who has admitted shock that Metropolis didn’t provide him a brand new contract, mentioned he did not know what was subsequent however had proven he can nonetheless function on the highest stage.
“I am simply attempting to play pretty much as good soccer as I can,” he advised Sky Sports activities. “I do know I’ve bought one sport left right here, however I simply attempt to do my job like I’ve at all times accomplished and I did that as we speak.
“I am pleased with what I am doing and that is the way it’s suppose to be.
“A number of teammates have spoken to me, I believe they’re unhappy additionally that I’ve to go however generally it goes like this in life. The way in which I am performing and appearing like a teammate, is how everybody needs to be.
“I do not know [what the future holds], sadly. I’ve proven I can nonetheless play right here in any other case I do not do what I do the final 4 or 5 weeks. That is it from my standpoint.”
ESPN reported Thursday that MLS‘ Chicago Fireplace has held talks about signing De Bruyne on a free switch this summer time.
De Bruyne has lifted 16 trophies since becoming a member of Metropolis from German facet VfL Wolfsburg in 2015 — a haul that features six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. He has additionally been named the Premier League Participant of the Season twice.
Man Metropolis supervisor Pep Guardiola appeared uncomfortable when requested if there’s any approach De Bruyne’s keep might be prolonged.
“I need the most effective for Kevin so it can’t be attainable to have accomplished these a few years with out him. He has been an unbelievable participant however the scenario is what it’s,” he advised Sky Sports activities.
“It is nearly not possible to switch this sort of participant. It’s not simply the efficiency, it’s what he means to the guts for our followers for a lot of, a few years. The success we have now belongs to the gamers.”
De Bruyne’s final dwelling sport shall be towards Bournemouth on Could 20, with Metropolis additionally visiting Southampton and Fulham as they give the impression of being to safe a spot within the Premier League’s high 5.
In the event that they do, De Bruyne, who has now scored twice in Metropolis’s final 4 matches, could have definitely performed his half.
“Simply thanks,” Guardiola mentioned when requested for his ideas on De Bruyne. “His contribution within the sport towards Crystal Palace once we had been 2-0 down and he delivers and as we speak the aim once more. I am comfortable that it’s ending that approach and we have now yet another sport within the Etihad.”
Data from Reuters was used on this report.
