Coming out of his failed Euro 2024 with Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne (33 years old) left doubts hanging over his future. After ten years at Manchester City (102 goals, 170 assists in 382 matches), the Belgian has won everything in the northwest of England. And according to the English press, the Red Devil was about to say goodbye to European football to accept the golden bridge offered by the Saudi Pro League.
A few days later, Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) was announced as the Belgian’s obvious successor. So many rumors that required a clarification from Pep Guardiola for City’s followers. Present in the United States, in North Carolina, before the pre-season match against Celtic Glasgow, the journalists therefore asked the Citizens coach the question. Will Kevin De Bruyne really leave England and join Saudi Arabia?
Guardiola loves his team
“Kevin is not leaving”he announced, in remarks relayed by the BBCbefore discussing more generally possible departures within his team. “If someone leaves, we will talk about it and, of course, until the last day (of the transfer window), we have chances. I do not exclude the possibility of recruiting new players, but I think there is an 85, 90, 95% chance that we have the same squad.”.
A desire to keep the group almost unchanged that the Spaniard explained in a very simple way. “I feel comfortable, because the quality of human beings that we have in the team is difficult to replace, and the quality is there. But we will see, I don’t know if at the last moment someone will come to replace some players. We will decide.” Finally, Guardiola also put an end to rumours of him being benched by England following Gareth Southgate’s departure. “I’m really excited for the season ahead. I’m really happy here. Like every season, I need a break, but every time I recharge my batteries. I’m completely focused on this. I have respect for the FA, but especially for my club.”
