Pep Guardiola has made a bold claim about Kevin De Bruyne's role at Manchester City ahead of the club's title-defining clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
De Bruyne has taken a step back from his usual responsibilities at the Etihad this season, with just 11 Premier League starts and six substitute appearances to date.
The 32-year-old was an unused substitute in City's Champions League exit at the Bernabeu and also failed to get on in their 4-0 thumping of Newcastle United in February.
De Bruyne's current deal with City runs out at the end of the season, with no immediate signs a renewal is imminent.
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Speaking ahead of City's game against Liverpool, Guardiola appeared to thank De Bruyne for his service at the club potentially indicating this season could be his last when questioned on his lack of minutes.
“The relationship with Kevin De Bruyne is exceptional. I can’t be thankful enough for what he has done for me, the team, everyone," Guardiola began.
"It was just a decision I made on what I have seen. He played against Madrid at home, so of course he can play.
“It’s a lot of games,” he added. “More than 50 games is too much for the players in the season. It’s too much for the human being, for the body cannot sustain.”
De Bruyne was rumored to have opened talks with MLS franchise San Diego last May, with The Athletic revealing his camp have had one conversation with the American club.
Speaking in December, De Bruyne revealed what really happened over the summer.
"I had a conversation in the summer, but then I had the injury so I wasn't in the right frame of mind to talk about that," he said.
"I need to be back on the pitch and be myself again. There's no rush, I don't feel uncomfortable, I'm not worried."
Guardiola has stressed it isn't just De Bruyne who was suffering from the jam packed schedule, and explained the current state of football is not sustainable for players.
“We have to look at the reality,” Guardiola continued.
"We have to sit down with the doctors, physios, the players, agents and be clear that some of them cannot play every month or two months playing every three days.
“This is the reality. There is one more year and then the World Cup. Already we have a lot of players who cannot sustain that like they have in the past, playing in different competitions and travelling without any problems."
Topics: Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola, Liverpool, Premier League, MLS
Tom Jenkins