Since Kevin De Bruyne announced his decision to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, he has made it a point to speak his mind.
Speaking after City’s 2-0 win against Everton, Kevin De Bruyne admitted that after not being offered a contract extension throughout the season, he was stunned at being informed that the Sky Blues were willing to let him leave on a free transfer.
The Manchester City maestro said via the Daily Mail: “There was a little bit [of shock]. 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. It’s basically why they’ve made the decision because the whole team has struggled.”
The Belgian added: “I don’t feel awkward. I told them [Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano] that I feel like I still have a lot to give. I know I’m not 25 anymore, 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.’
As De Bruyne added that in his view, the club made a “business” decision, Manchester City fans had their say on his candid comments.
Man City fans divided as Kevin De Bruyne left stunned over no contract offer
A Manchester City fan stated that with De Bruyne earning £400,000-a-week at Manchester City, his fitness issues and decline as a whole, the club had no choice but to move him on: “KDB can’t play a full season and hasn’t been able to for some while. He’s on 400k-a-week and is past his best. Foden has suffered out wide after having an amazing year through the middle. It’s bad how it’s handled but it does seem like now is the right time to go.”
Another Manchester City fan agreed, stressing that it is important not to be sentimental about De Bruyne’s imminent departure from the Etihad Stadium: “We have to put emotions aside. I understand the club’s perspective, the club comes first.”
A third supporter claimed that while the decision was “harsh”, it is best for the club and arguably their greatest-ever player to move their separate ways: “Really harsh but the club have made the right decision and he’ll leave on a high as our best-ever player.”
However, some Manchester City fans are saddened about the way De Bruyne’s impending farewell has been handled by the club, with one supporter simply writing: “This is how the club treats the best player in its history.”
Another fan also chimed in, saying: “And the club will regret this decision.”
But finally, a sixth Manchester City fan simply stated that he is getting increasingly tired about hearing all the noise regarding De Bruyne’s exit: “Seriously getting tired of it now. It’s done, we’ve said our goodbyes. Move on.”
Pep Guardiola discussed De Bruyne’s imminent departure by admitting that he had an open and honest conversation with him but it seems the six-time Premier League winner is not too happy with the club’s decision.
Who decided not to give Kevin De Bruyne a new contract
Time heals all wounds and sooner rather than later, City fans will come to terms with their captain’s departure.
Manchester City are eyeing Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White to replace De Bruyne, with Pep Guardiola recently admitting it was hi, Txiki Begiristain and the club as a whole who decided not to extend his contract.
“The decision has been made by the club and the club is the club. Me, Txiki and the club.”
“So, this is what it is.”
All eyes will be on where De Bruyne heads next to prolong his illustrious career.
