Injury disrupts De Bruyne’s contract talks with City | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne has admitted uncertainty over his future at Manchester City, revealing that contract extension talks have been put on hold as he focuses on regaining full fitness following a thigh injury. The Belgium international, now 33, is in the final year of his contract, leaving his long-term status at the club in question. De Bruyne sustained the injury in September during a match against Brentford, sidelining him for nearly two months. Having returned to action as a substitute in City’s last three fixtures, De Bruyne explained to the media ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Feyenoord that his recovery had taken priority over contract talks. “I was hoping to be out for days, but it ended up being eight or nine weeks,” he said. “I would rather get back first, and all the rest will come.”The former Wolfsburg player admitted he is “not too obsessed” about the future, choosing instead to prioritise his performances on the pitch. “Talks will come. If no talks come, it will be my last year. I just want to play good football,” De Bruyne stated. The midfielder revealed that initial discussions about his future took place last summer, but his injury disrupted those plans. “I spoke to the club, but I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to continue talks,” he explained. The Belgian joined City in 2015 for £55 million and has since been a pivotal figure in the team’s success. Under Pep Guardiola, who arrived a year later, De Bruyne has evolved into one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders. Guardiola expressed admiration for his player’s dedication, noting, “He wants to finish here at his best. I don’t think he’ll stay if he feels he can’t produce at the same level.” De Bruyne described the current injury as particularly frustrating, given its unpredictable nature. “Last year, I knew I’d be out for five or six months, but this time I was testing myself week to week,” he said. Despite the challenges, he saw progress in his recent outing against Tottenham, stating, “I could see a difference compared to the last two games, so I can take the positives.” As De Bruyne continues his recovery, his future at Manchester City remains unresolved. For now, the focus is on his fitness, with contract talks left for another day.