Last Updated:
De Bruyne, regardless, gave the City faithful yet another show to savor, as the midfield maestro dictated the tempo to spark City’s scintillating comeback win against Palace.
Kevin De Bruyne for Manchester City (X)
Kevin De Bruyne may have been down for the moment (or rather the season so far) but he’s far from out, as the Manchester City talisman echoed his wish to keep playing despite being let go by the Manchester side.
De Bruyne played his first home game at the Etihad, against Crystal Palace on Saturday, after announcing his eventual departure from the club, after a 10-year tenure, at the end of the season.
He gave the City faithful yet another show to savor, as the midfield maestro dictated the tempo to spark City’s scintillating comeback win.
De Bruyne dazzled with a sensational free-kick that gave City a lifeline in the first half after Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards netted for Palace in the opening 21 minutes.
Omar Marmoush equalized before the interval and De Bruyne set up Mateo Kovacic when the Croatian put City in front in the 47th minute.
Youngsters James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly scored to cap City’s fightback as they sealed the 5-2 win and climbed to fourth place in the Premier League in pursuit of a top-five finish.
After the match, De Bruyne spoke about City’s decision to let him go, taking it on the chin as a part of the business.
“This is how life is. They made a decision [not to renew me] and I am okay with it. Now, it’s clear what’s been decided and it’s my job to play the best I can,” De Bruyne stated in a post-match interview.
“But, I can’t be here and not be 100%. It doesn’t sit right with me. I’ll give it my all, like we saw today, to qualify for the Champions League, win the FA Cup, and leave in good spirits,” he added.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I want to keep playing. We’ll see where I can end up.”
He also opened up on the battle with injury, whilst hinting at his undying interest to keep playing at the highest level.
“It’s been a hard year. Having a hernia was not fun. Basically, I have been pain-free for the last six weeks. So now, I feel free,” De Bruyne told TNT Sports.
Pep Guardiola knows better than anyone how important De Bruyne has been for City during his reign, as he lauded the Belgian for his masterclass.
“The performance of Kevin – as he has done for many, many years in many, many games – he played fantastic. He helped us break away from the bad momentum we had going,” Guardiola said.
“The gratitude we have, I have, for him is huge. He’s done incredible and I know that he can deliver.”
(with agency inputs)
