Kevin De Bruyne said he was “a bit surprised” not to have been offered a new contract by Manchester City.
The Belgium international announced earlier this month he will leave the Etihad Stadium when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola hinted it was his decision to end De Bruyne’s stay due to his lack of form and fitness over the past two campaigns.
But De Bruyne, who turns 34 in June, believes he is still good enough to play at the highest level.
“I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision,” he said after City’s 2-0 win over Everton.
“I was a bit surprised, but I have to accept it. I still think I can perform at the level I’m showing. But I understand clubs have to make decisions.
“Maybe if the team didn’t struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal then maybe they take another decision.”
Passing in style pic.twitter.com/D1DvzEL65H
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2025
De Bruyne signed for City from Wolfsburg in August 2015 and has made 416 appearances in all competitions.
Across those outings, he has scored 107 goals and registered 177 assists, winning 16 major honours along the way.
The playmaker has started four of City’s past five matches, which included a goal and assist in the 5-2 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.
He has been linked with moves to Major League Soccer and Saudi Arabia, but he has yet to make a decision on his next career move.
“I feel like I still have a lot to give. Obviously I know I’m not 25 any more, but I still feel like I can do my job,” he said.
“I’m open for anything. I have to look at the whole picture.
“I’m looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family. I like to play football. I like to compete.
“That’s what I feel, so I can’t say that I want to quit because I still feel that whenever I’m in training I want to beat the guys.
“I feel like I’m doing really well and that’s why I’ve also played a lot lately.”
De Bruyne played 88 minutes for City in their late win at Goodison Park, where he was applauded off by both the home and away fans.
“It’s something really rare to come out and get an applause from another team, so I just want to say thank you to them,” the Belgian said.
“I think they appreciate the way that I play. The way Everton play is hard. Defensively, they are sound, and we tried to break that, but it was hard.
“We had difficulties going forward, especially in the first half. We needed two late goals, but I think we did alright.”
