Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne: “I've shown that I can still play here”

Kevin de Bruyne said he proved he could still play here” that the Manchester City midfielder scored a vital victory goal in his match to compete for next season’s Champions League qualification on Friday.

The 33-year-old Belgian announced last month that once his contract left the team at the end of the season, he scored his only goal in Man City's 1-0 defeat of Wolves to put them in third in the Premier League and make them a firm favorite to occupy one of the Champions League.

After his penultimate game at Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne admitted that City did not offer him a new contract, saying he didn't know what was next but showed that he could still operate at the highest level.

“I just want to play as good football as possible,” he told Sky Sports. “I know I’ve left a game here, but I just tried to do my job like I’ve been doing and today I did it.

“I’m proud of my work, and that’s what it should be.

“A lot of teammates have talked to me and I think they have to go, too, but sometimes it’s in life.

“Unfortunately, I don't know (in the future). I've shown that I can still play here or I've not done what I do for the last four to five weeks. From my point of view.”

ESPN reported on Thursday that MLS's Chicago Fire has held a speech on De Bruyne's free transfer this summer.

De Bruyne has canceled 16 trophys since joining Manchester City from German side VFL Wolfsburg in 2015 – a run that includes six Premier League champions and Champions League in 2023. He has also been named a Premier League player this season twice.

When asked if there was any way to extend the accommodation in De Bruyne, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola seemed uncomfortable.

He told Sky Sports: “I hope Kevin is the best one, so it's impossible without him. He's an incredible player, but that's the case.”

“It's almost impossible to replace such a player. Not only is it a performance, but it's what it means for our fans for years. Our success belongs to the players.”

De Bruyne's final home game will be against Bournemouth on May 20, and City also visited Southampton and Fulham as they hope to get a spot in the Premier League top five.

If they do, De Bruyn, who now scores twice in his last four games, will certainly play his role.

“Just thank you,” Guardiola said when asked about his thoughts on De Bruen. “When we beat Crystal Palace 2-0, he contributed and he scored again. I'm so glad to finish the game this way, we have one more game in Etihad.”

This report uses Reuters information.