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4 months ago
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Kevin De Bruyne has insisted that he has never indicated his desire to leave Manchester City and that he fully expects to stay at the club this summer.
De Bruyne, who is currently in Germany with the Belgium national team at Euro 2024, has been linked with a possible mega-money move to Saudi Arabia.
The 33-year-old playmaker had a 'chat' with Michael Emenalo, the Saudi Pro League's sporting director, in December. However, De Bruyne has claimed that their conversation was not about a possible transfer.
As quoted by Het Nieuwsblad on Monday ahead of Belgium's clash with France in the Euros' round of 16, De Bruyne said: 'Yes [I'll stay at City]. I've read a lot of headlines about a transfer, but I haven't spoken to anyone.
'I saw him [Emenalo] at the Club World Cup. I know Michael, so it makes sense for us to have a chat. But it wasn't about that.'
Man City star Kevin De Bruyne has said that he is staying at the Etihad Stadium this summer
De Bruyne had a 'chat' with Saudi Pro League director Michael Emenalo (pictured) last year
De Bruyne has just 12 months remaining on the City contract he signed in April 2021 but he could yet pen an extension.
Asked what his next move might be after City, he replied: 'It's hard to say now. We will be sitting around the table in the coming months.'
He added: 'I signed my contract at the right time. If there is a good offer and you tell Pep [Guardiola] that you want to leave, that is possible. This may be different at other clubs. But I have never indicated that I want to leave.
'I have more than enough money. But if an absurd amount comes… That is also for my family, my relatives, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and my friends.'
De Bruyne missed a huge chunk of the 2023-24 campaign due to a hamstring injury.
Despite featuring in just 18 Premier League games, he produced four goals and 10 assists to help deliver City a record-breaking fourth consecutive title.
De Bruyne is currently in Germany with the Belgium men's national team at UEFA Euro 2024
The 33-year-old trained on Sunday on the eve of his nation's clash with France in the last 16
His aim right now is to deliver his country's first major international title since 1920 - when Belgium won gold at the Olympic Games on home soil.
De Bruyne has indicated that he does not wish for Euro 2024 to be his final tournament with Belgium, despite some suggestions that he might consider retiring from international football at the end of this summer.
'During international breaks at City we always get seven to 10 days off. That would be welcome for my family,' he admitted. 'But I don't have 10 more years left as a footballer. I have also been absent from the national team many times [due to injuries].
'I'll say it... If I continue to feel good, I will probably be available. I just don't know what it will be like next year. A crazy season is coming for City, with even more matches. It must remain physically and mentally feasible.'
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