Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has conceded that the upcoming World Cup could be his final outing at the tournament.
Now 31, De Bruyne remains one of the world’s elite talents and is part of a Belgium side long touted as future World Cup winners. He was part of the team that reached the quarter-finals in 2014 before finishing third four years later.
Father Time inevitably caught up with him and De Bruyne admitted he would like to take advantage of the upcoming tournament as he is unsure if he will get another chance to win the World Cup.
“My family is going to the group stages,” he began. “Obviously I’m 31 and I don’t know what’s going to happen in four years. This is the first time my children can come to the World Cup.
“That’s why they come. It will be special, an event I don’t want them to miss. It’s six, four and two. The oldest two watch a bit of football, but the daughter not so much, but she can go enjoy the sun and play in the pool.
“I’m excited.” It will be the third and it is always special. These events are great because everyone watches them. It’s big, but it’s not worth stressing about. It’s my third time, I understand what’s coming and I can’t speak for anyone else who will be there for the first time.
“[The timing] is unknown. There is no point in worrying about it or thinking about it. Take it as it comes and try to play your best. We don’t talk about it with our teammates. The schedule is too hectic. We had two away games in quick succession.”
