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 group’s quest to qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League on Friday.
The 33-year-old Belgian, who introduced final month that he would go away the group 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 elevate them into third place within the Premier League and preserve 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 degree.
“I am simply making an attempt to play pretty much as good soccer as I can,” he instructed 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 finished and I did that immediately.
“I am happy with what I am doing and that is the way it’s suppose to be.
“Numerous teammates have spoken to me, I feel they’re unhappy additionally that I’ve to go however generally it goes like this in life. The best way 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 perspective.”
ESPN reported Thursday that MLS‘ Chicago Fireplace has held talks about signing De Bruyne on a free switch this summer season.
De Bruyne has lifted 16 trophies since becoming a member of Metropolis from German aspect 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 regarded uncomfortable when requested if there may be any method De Bruyne’s keep could possibly be prolonged.
“I would like the most effective for Kevin so it can’t be attainable to have finished these a few years with out him. He has been an unbelievable participant however the state of affairs is what it’s,” he instructed Sky Sports activities.
“It is nearly inconceivable to switch this type 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’ve belongs to the gamers.”
De Bruyne’s final house sport might be towards Bournemouth on Might 20, with Metropolis additionally visiting Southampton and Fulham as they appear to safe a spot within the Premier League’s prime 5.
In the event that they do, De Bruyne, who has now scored twice in Metropolis’s final 4 matches, may 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 immediately the aim once more. I am pleased that it’s ending that method and we’ve yet another sport within the Etihad.”
Info from Reuters was used on this report.
