Kevin De Bruyne Addresses Contract Talks Amid Injury Recovery
Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester City midfielder, has taken a pragmatic approach to his future as his current contract approaches its end. The 33-year-old, sidelined for over two months due to an unexpected injury, has put negotiations on hold until he feels fully fit and back to his best.
De Bruyne revealed that initial discussions with City took place over the summer, but his injury—initially thought to be minor—interrupted plans for further talks. Now back on the pitch, the Belgian star wants to focus on his recovery and form before revisiting his future.
“I was hoping to be out for a couple of days, and it ended up being eight or nine weeks,” De Bruyne admitted. “I wanted to get through that first and see how I am. People ask me about this, but there’s not a lot I can say. There haven’t been a lot of talks. I just want to play good football again, and the rest we will see.”
He emphasized that the injury and subsequent time off took a toll on his mindset. “I had a conversation already in the summer, but then I had the injury, so I was not in the right frame of mind to speak about that. I really want to be good and be back on the pitch and be myself again. There is no rush. I don’t feel uncomfortable in my situation—I just want to play football.”
Frustration and Recovery
De Bruyne’s absence from the field has been one of his most challenging periods, especially with Guardiola hinting at the squad’s ageing dynamic. However, the midfielder’s return in the final minutes of City’s recent clash with Tottenham showcased glimpses of his world-class talent.
“Personally, this has been the most frustrating injury,” he shared. “Last year, I knew I would be out for five or six months, but this time I was testing myself to see if I would be fit for the weekend after Inter [in September], and it’s taken a very, very long time.”
The uncertainty surrounding his recovery added to the frustration. “It’s really frustrating not to know when you’re coming back and why you’re getting pain,” De Bruyne said. “I’m pleased I’m getting better, but I still need to get better. Against Tottenham, I could see a difference from the last two games, so I can see the positive.”
For now, De Bruyne is focused on regaining full fitness and helping his team get back on track after a challenging run of form. Whether he extends his stay at the Etihad or explores new opportunities, his immediate priority is returning to peak performance.
