Kevin De Bruyne Reveals Manchester City Team-Mates Want Him To Stay Amid Contract Uncertainty

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Kevin De Bruyne's decisive goal secured Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Wolves, marking their fourth consecutive Premier League win. This triumph strengthens their position for a Champions League spot. De Bruyne scored in the 35th minute, potentially his last at Etihad Stadium, with only one home game left against Bournemouth on May 20 before he departs as a free agent.

De Bruyne expressed his desire to remain at the club, despite the decision not to renew his contract. "I try to play as much good football as I can," he stated. "I know that I only have one home game left, but I just try to do my job and that's what I did today." His teammates share his sentiment, lamenting his departure.

City's upcoming matches include Southampton, Bournemouth, and Fulham in the league. They will also face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on May 17. Currently, City is two points ahead of Newcastle United and four points clear of Chelsea and Nottingham Forest. Aston Villa trails by seven points.

Pep Guardiola acknowledged De Bruyne's irreplaceable contributions over nine years. "We will just say thank you," Guardiola remarked. "What can I say? We're happy that he's finishing this way." He emphasized De Bruyne's impact both on and off the field.

De Bruyne has netted 30 Premier League goals since turning 30. Only Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero have scored more for City at that age, with 41 each. Against Wolves, De Bruyne boasts six goals and five assists in ten appearances, matching Mohamed Salah's record.

The Belgian midfielder remains optimistic about his future contributions to top-level football. "A lot of team-mates have said that it's sad I have to go too," he noted. Despite uncertainties about his next steps, De Bruyne is confident in his abilities and continues to enjoy playing.

Reflecting on the season, De Bruyne acknowledged its challenges but expressed satisfaction with recent performances. "It has been a tough year, but we are finding a bit of a groove," he said. The team aims to maintain this momentum through the season's end.

Guardiola dismissed any speculation about retaining De Bruyne but praised him highly: "It would not be possible without him...what we have done in the last nine years." The manager highlighted how players like De Bruyne resonate deeply with fans beyond their on-field achievements.

The victory allows City some respite before observing their rivals' performances over the weekend. As they approach season-end fixtures, maintaining form remains crucial for securing their desired league position and potential silverware.