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Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has hinted that he could quit the blues if the club’s two-year Champions League ban is upheld.
The Belgian maestro’s contract doesn’t expire until 2023, but de Bruyne has stated that a long ban from Europe’s top competition could cause him to re-evaluate his future with the club. Speaking to Belgium’s Het Laatste Nieuws, de Buryne said “The club has told us that they will appeal the decision, and they are 100 per cent convinced that they are in the right,” De Bruyne told Belgian outlet.
“I have confidence in my club: if they are saying it’s true, then I believe them. We’ll wait and see what happens. Once there’s a final decision I will look at it. Two years [without Champions League football] would be long. One year is something I might be able to cope with.”
City were handed the ban for “serious breaches of Financial Fair Play” but have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, the appeal will have been delayed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, so City’s participation in next season’s competition, if indeed there is a competition next season, will be considered closer to the time.
As well as Champions League football, de Bruyne also stated that his remaining time at City was not dependent on manager Pep Guardiola signing a new contract. The Catalan boss’ current contract expires in June next year, however Guardiola has suggested he is open to the possibility of extending his contract further.
“I think Pep has said that he’ll stay until the end of next year, whatever happens. I think his contract is running out then. We’ll have to wait, but I’m not going to make a decision based on what he does of course. I have already worked under other managers and when Pep leaves, I have to continue working with someone else.
“The last few years a lot of clubs have enquired, and have asked after my future plans, but I’m very happy at Manchester City. I play for one of the best teams in the world, I play in England, in my eyes from a competitive point of view it’s the best league. It’s a challenge to be the best here, and to win. That’s something I need to keep on going in my career. Whatever will come, will come.”