Nedum Onuoha has given an insight into what Kevin De Bruyne told him about the time he was out of action due to injury.
The pundit revealed that De Bruyne on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily show (07/01/2024) was “open and honest” about how he felt his break from football was somewhat of a blessing in disguise.
Against Huddersfield Town on Sunday, the five-time Premier League sent the Manchester City faithful into a frenzy after coming on as a second-half substitute to replace Julian Alvarez.
What Kevin De Bruyne told Nedum Onuoha about his injury spell
Suffering a major long-term injury after years, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne told Nedum Onuoha about his experience, which the latter revealed on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily show.
“Yeah, I did actually. I was very lucky to speak with him, it was at an evening for City In The Community, which is the club’s foundation and it was good because I don’t really know him that well. Like I’ve spoken to him a few times and we know each but we aren’t tight or anything.”
Nedum Onuoha revealed that Kevin De Bruyne found a sense of enjoyment during his time nursing his hamstring injury.
“And he was being very frank and open and honest about say, the time away and how it gave him a time to reflect, like he looks different, he feels different and carries himself in a different way. At times, he enjoyed the break away from football because for the last five, ten years, all he’s done is play football. He’s been one of those people where he’s spoken about how there are too many games for say, players who are trying to win leagues, playing international football.”
“He’s playing 60 games a season and has done for probably the last five seasons. And then when that season finishes, you’ve probably got three weeks off and then you start the next season, it’s not an adequate break.”
Nedum Onuoha went on to disclose that after recovering from his injury, Kevin De Bruyne was eager to lace his boots and play football again.
“I think he mentioned that point and it allowed him time to, especially at the start of his rehab where there’s not much you can do, he had time to spend with his family, to watch his kids grow and now I think he’s been chomping at the bit to get back out there with his team because he wants to be the best and he wants his team to be the best, and he has that hunger and that desire to get back in and help the team to achieve the goals they’ve experienced in years gone by.”
A fresh mindset will only help Kevin De Bruyne
One can understand the perspective Kevin De Bruyne is speaking from after having suffered such a serious injury, as revealed by Nedum Onuoha.
After all, while the 32-year-old is living his dream, the physical and mental toll that top-level football has on players is massive.
As a result, for De Bruyne to have been forced to rest, focus on his recovery and most importantly, private matters must have been a breath of fresh air for him.
Nedum Onuoha rightly pointed out that world-class players like the Manchester City legend rarely get a chance to take a breather due to them being relied on at both club and international level.
Kevin De Bruyne started a whopping 42 games in all competitions for the Sky Blues last season, which is a staggering number for a player who is in his 30s.
With that in mind, the chance for De Bruyne to learn what is best for his body going forward will only allow him to maximise his longevity at the highest level.
Furthermore, the treble-winner’s fresh mindset must have injected a renewed sense of ambition in him to better his game and win silverware in a Manchester City shirt.
Despite sustaining such a setback, De Bruyne could prove to have come out on the other side of it re-energised, both mentally and physically.
