The Belgian midfielder’s contract runs out at the end of June, right in the middle of the tournament
Kevin De Bruyne has revealed that he is unlikely to play in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup given that the timing of the tournament clashes with the expiry of his contract at Manchester City.
De Bruyne’s deal runs out at the end of June, just as City are scheduled to take part in the newly expanded Club World Cup. The club have offered the Belgian midfielder no contract extension, which means that he is now preparing to bow out after a decade at the club. City’s final two Premier League fixtures, at home against Bournemouth and away at Fulham, are set to mark the end of De Bruyne’s era at the club.
Speaking about the Club World Cup, De Bruyne expressed his frustration over FIFA’s arrangement.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” said De Bruyne. “But that happens when you push in new tournaments in the middle of a contract situation.
“I have to take care of myself because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what am I going to do? Nobody’s going to take care of me at that point. So there’s a big chance I probably won’t play it. I don’t make the rules, I can’t do anything about it.”
At 33 years old, the City captain is now weighing up his next move. Retirement does not seem to be on the cards, which means he will either take up a new challenge abroad, or embrace another stint in the Premier League. The Belgium international has made it clear that he is open to suitable projects in England.
While speculation is certain to continue, De Bruyne says his decision won’t come until he feels ready.
“I’ll take my decision whenever I’m ready or comfortable with making my decision,” he said. “I want to finish these two games and make a decision, but it’s not that easy. I have to take care of my family. I’ve got three kids, my wife, it’s not an easy process at this time.
“Everything has to fall into place for my family and for myself.”
