Kevin De Bruyne doesn’t want to play in the Club World Cup for fear of an injury scuppering his next move after a 10-year career at Manchester City comes to a close.
The central midfielder, who turns 34 next month, couldn’t finish his decade at City with a trophy after the 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
His deal expires during the Club World Cup in America – De Bruyne officially contracted throughout the three group stage matches – but the Belgian is looking for a resolution.
‘I think in a way I have to take care of myself because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what am I going to do?’ De Bruyne said.
‘Nobody’s going to take care of me at that point. So there’s a big chance probably I won’t play it, but I don’t know, maybe yes.’
De Bruyne admitted that he is unsure whether the ultimate decision comes down to him or City. He has fielded several offers ahead of next season, including from MLS side Chicago Fire and Napoli in Serie A.
Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he does not want to play in the Club World cup for Manchester City this summer
The midfielder will end his decade-long stay at the club this summer after his contract expires
De Bruyne explained that he must factor his family into the decision about his footballing future
Mail Sport understands one top half Premier League club are weighing up a free transfer, with De Bruyne’s wages currently close to £400,000 a week.
He will press on with talks over his future after the league season ends, with City facing Bournemouth on Tuesday night before travelling to Fulham on the final day in the battle for Champions League qualification.
‘I want to finish these two games and then obviously, ultimately, after make a decision, but it’s not that easy,’ De Bruyne added.
‘I have to take care of my family. I’ve got three kids, my wife, it’s not an easy process at this time. When you’re 20 years old it’s easy to make a decision, you can move to another country and it’s no problem.’
Asked if there are good schools in Naples, De Bruyne replied: ‘There has been information sought regarding all things. Once I have made my decision, everyone will know. I don’t want to be put under pressure.’