Kevin de Bruyne was 'a bit surprised’… Here's what happened in his meeting with Man City
Kevin de Bruyne confirms his departure from Manchester City this summer after the club opted against offering a new contract, concluding a decade-long tenure. The 33-year-old Belgian expressed surprise at the decision but accepts it, stating he feels capable of continuing at the top level. He is now weighing future options, with Turkish clubs Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray potentially targeting him to bolster their squads.
Kevin de Bruyne has confirmed his impending departure from Manchester City this summer, marking the end of a glittering ten-year spell with the Premier League champions. The decision comes after the club chose not to present the Belgian playmaker with a new contract. The 33-year-old midfielder admitted his surprise at not receiving any offer and learning that his time at the Etihad Stadium would conclude at the end of the current season. De Bruyne stated, "I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision... I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. It's fine."
Despite the club's choice, De Bruyne remains confident in his abilities, asserting, "Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level, like I'm showing." He described his “brief” meeting with City executives Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano as primarily "business-wise," focused purely on the decision rather than extensive discussion.
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De Bruyne speculated that the club's decision might have been influenced by the team's overall performance challenges this season rather than his personal form since returning from injury:
“It's also basically why they've made the decision because the whole team have struggled. Maybe if the team didn't struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal then maybe they take another decision. I don't know.”
Looking ahead, De Bruyne confirmed he is open to exploring all potential opportunities for his next move, considering both sporting ambitions and family needs. He mentioned the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the Club World Cup later this year.
As De Bruyne weighs his options, reports have emerged suggesting interest from Turkish football giants Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, who are reportedly keen on acquiring the world-class midfielder to bolster their squads for the upcoming season.
The Belgian star reiterated his feeling that he still has "a lot to give" at the highest level, acknowledging his age but stressing his current fitness and rhythm. “They told me what the decision was and I can't say what they think on the inside. I still think I'm in good shape, I played way more than I did last year except the hernia” says Belgian star. “I feel good and the rhythm is coming. I still feel like I can play at a good level, but then after I'll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more” he continues and plans to evaluate possibilities once concrete offers materialize.
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