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Kevin De Bruyne admits he was surprised not to be offered a new Man City contract - Getty Images/Carl Recine
Kevin De Bruyne has given an astonishing account of his Manchester City departure, revealing his shock at failing to land a new contract and fears the club’s disastrous campaign played a major part in the decision.
De Bruyne, 33, has opened his heart with the most in-depth interview since he announced his 10th season at the Etihad Stadium would be his last. The Belgium midfielder spent days sitting on the news he would be leaving City before making the club’s decision public with a statement.
He has also revealed that he will consider offers to remain playing at the highest level, leaving the door open to one of the greatest Premier League midfielders staying in England and playing for one of City’s rivals.
Foreign clubs, with intense interest from America, are putting deals together, although De Bruyne is still processing the departure after his future was sorted out just two weeks ago.
“There was a little bit (of shock),” said De Bruyne, speaking in the tunnel at Goodison Park after the 2-0 win over Everton. “I didn’t have any offer from them through the whole year and the club made a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions.
“It was half a week till I reported it out and it wasn’t nice. My family weren’t home. They were on holiday so it was a bit weird but it is what it is.
“After the decision was made and when I came out, it was more of a relief when I reported it to the outside world compared to when I knew and nobody else knew. You don’t know what to do with the emotion with everybody and how to handle it at the club. Now it’s out, it’s fine and people see the way I am. I try to do my best and win games for the team. I love playing football so that’s it.”
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Pep Guardiola embraces De Bruyne after substituting the Belgian against Everton - Reuters/Phil Noble
De Bruyne has been interested in America throughout his career and has friends across the Atlantic, which has led to MLS teams weighing up a move for him. Saudi Arabian clubs will look to sign the biggest names as their league expands, while De Bruyne could yet remain in Europe or England depending on the offers he receives.
“I don’t feel awkward. I told them (City director of football Txiki Begiristain and CEO Ferran Soriano) that I feel like I still have a lot to give,” he added.
“I know I’m not 25 any more, but I still feel like I can do my job. I’m open for anything (next) because I have to look at the whole picture. I’m looking at sporting reasons, family and everything together and what makes the most sense for me and my family. I still feel like I can play at a good level, but after I’ll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more.”
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A fan shows their appreciation for De Bruyne at Goodison Park - Getty Images/Carl Recine
City went on a disastrous run of defeats – their worst under Pep Guardiola – while De Bruyne was out injured before Christmas. He believes their plight this season has been one of the reasons his contract has not been renewed.
“It’s basically why they’ve made the decision because the whole team has struggled,” said De Bruyne.
“Maybe if the team didn’t struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal then maybe they would take another decision. I don’t know – they told me what the decision was and I can’t really say what they think on the inside. I still think that I’m in good shape, I’ve played way more than I did last year except the hernia. I feel good and the rhythm is coming.
“I don’t feel like I want to share (the exact reasons) because it’s basically more business-wise for them and they made a decision based on that. It was not really a long conversation. It was just what they told me and then there’s nothing. I have to accept the situation even though I feel like I can still do a good job but that’s it.”
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