Kevin De Bruyne has now privately decided whether he wants to leave Man City after 2-0 defeat vs Liverpool

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It seems like Kevin De Bruyne is finally past the point where he can be considered an elite player.

While De Bruyne’s latest display against Liverpool might have opened several fans and pundits’ eyes to the fact that his time at the highest level might be all but over, the 33-year-old has struggled quite often this season.

Gary Lineker feels De Bruyne’s legs have gone and it is hard to disagree with the popular pundit’s assessment as the Belgian international looks far leggier and less athletic than before.

With the accumulation of serious injuries Kevin De Bruyne has suffered for several years, it was sadly inevitable that he would unable to be physically compete amongst the best of the best after a certain stage in his career.

However, in fairness to the Manchester City stalwart, he is one of the countless legends of the game who were eventually past their sell-by date as it is virtually impossible to remain eternally flawless.

But the major question mark around De Bruyne remains whether he will stay at City beyond the ongoing season as his contract expires in the summer.

Kevin De Bruyne open to bit-part role at Manchester City next season

Some might suggest that it might be time to move on from De Bruyne and let him leave at the end of the campaig.

On the other hand, with Florian Wirtz considered the heir to De Bruyne, the man himself could perhaps be best to give the German invaluable pieces of advise if he does decide to head to the Etihad Stadium and all and all, just be a calming presence in the background as the club continues their squad rebuild.

The Times have reported that despite San Diego FC being confident about signing De Bruyne, he would like to stay at City next season.

Furthermore, the six-time Premier League winner is even open to playing a bit-part role in the following campaign.

This season, De Bruyne has been unable to play much football due to his persistent injury woes and rotation — starting just 17 games in all competitions — which could indicate that the decorated creator is accustomed to such a role.

A majority of Manchester City fans would certainly welcome the possibility of arguably the greatest player in their history staying at the club for another year.

What Pep Guardiola recently said about De Bruyne could suggest Man City exit

But it seems like Pep Guardiola might well think it might be time for Manchester City to sell De Bruyne, citing the midfield maestro’s physical regression as the main reason why he did not feature at all against Real Madrid last week.

Guardiola said via HaytersTV: “No [injury]. Decisions. My decision.”

“He play in Madrid at home. Of course he can play [the big games].”

“My relation with Kevin is exceptional. I cannot thank enough what he’s done for me, to the team and everyone. It’s just a decision. Normally I don’t speak with the players. Not just with Kevin. Anyone, why they play. They don’t ask me the reason why when I decide to let them play in the beginning or during the game. It’s just a decision. What I have seen for many reasons, a few reasons. So it’s never personal, never. Also Jeremy [Doku] didn’t play. And the last game he played I think was in Ipswich Town, played unbelievable. And the game after in the 17th minute, he was injured.”

Guardiola concluded: “But maybe for the demanding, for the way now we need to play, because for the absence of strength that we have, and physicality and many things, we need to gain more control, not more up and down. Don’t tell me why. So it’s not personal. I decide the decisions and that’s all. So no more than that.”

However, if De Bruyne has indeed decided to stay at Manchester City, perhaps Pep Guardiola would be on board with the decision due to his leadership and seniority in the dressing room.