Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is keeping an open mind over a potential move to the Saudi Pro League, the 32-year-old Belgian said, as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract with the Premier League champions.
The Belgium captain has six Premier League crowns and one Champions League title, as well as two FA Cups and five League Cups to his name since his 2015 switch from German side VfL Wolfsburg. “For Michele (his wife), an exotic adventure is okay. These are also conversations we are having more and more as a family,” De Bruyne said.
“I have one more year of contract, so I have to dwell on what could happen. My eldest son is now eight and knows nothing but England. He also asks how long I will play at City. Once the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way.”
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sports like Formula One, golf and soccer over the last few years, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema, among big names signing lucrative deals to play in the Saudi Pro League.
“At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about incredible sums in what might be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that,” De Bruyne added. De Bruyne will play his 100th international when Belgium host Montenegro in a friendly today ahead of the European Championship.
De Bruyne said Belgium are not among the favourites to win the Euros in Germany but not many teams will fancy playing against them. The playmaker did not make any bold predictions about how far Belgium will go in the tournament, which gets underway next week, but he is feeling upbeat about their chances. “I don’t think we are top favourites but I don’t think there are many countries keen to play us,” De Bruyne said.
Belgium are in Group E with Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine. Today’s friendly against Montenegro in Brussels will will mark captain De Bruyne’s 100th cap and the 32-year-old said he was proud of his record.
“I’ve played against many top teams and at all the major tournaments, like the World Cup and the European Championship. We have had, as a team, some good moments in those competitions. “I could have played a lot more but I’ve had some injuries in my international career. But I’m very happy to play this 100th game especially at home in front of our supporters.”
Belgium play Luxembourg in Brussels on Saturday before heading to Germany. “If we can find some rhythm in these two friendlies it will be a boost. We must look to play well, score some goals and create many good moments. It will probably also be important to experience some difficulties so that we can be better prepared for the Euros.”
De Bruyne said his hunger to keep performing at the highest level was undiminished. “When that hunger goes, you won’t see me anymore here talking to you,” he told reporters. He also said he was fully fit despite doubts over his condition towards the end of the season with Manchester City. De Bruyne missed the first half of the campaign due to a hamstring injury. “I feel good,” he said. “Hopefully, I have the right energy to play a good tournament.”
Kevin De Bruyne. (AFP)
