Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has finally revealed how he learned the club would not renew his current contract – and it’s not how you’d expect.
De Bruyne, 33, is in the final couple of months of his time at Manchester City, having announced that he will leave the club in a statement posted to his social media channels in early April.
He will leave the club as a six-time Premier League winner and is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, playmaker to have played in the English top-flight.
Yesterday, he started during City’s 2-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park and was even applauded off by a section of Toffees’ supporters when he was substituted late in the game.
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However, what he said after the game may surprise supporters.
De Bruyne spoke to the media on Saturday and admitted he was surprised that he wasn’t offered a new deal.
He elaborated on the situation and revealed he had found out about the club’s decision during a brief meeting with City's Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain and CEO, Ferran Soriano.
“There was a little bit (of shock),” said De Bruyne. "I didn't have any offer from them through the whole year, and the club made a decision.
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"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.”
He then admitted that he found it tough in the days that followed as his “family weren’t home”.
De Bruyne added: "It was half a week till I reported it out and it wasn't nice. My family weren't home.
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"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."
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Transfer News
Luke Davies