Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has expressed that his five-month hiatus from football due to injury could potentially have positive outcomes for both himself and his team. Returning to the pitch in a resounding 5-0 victory over Huddersfield Town, De Bruyne proved his worth by contributing an assist to Jérémy Doku just 17 minutes after his comeback. The 32-year-old player revealed that he feels reinvigorated after his time on the sidelines and is eager to assist City in their quest for trophies during the latter part of the season.
Reflecting upon his decade-long non-stop playing career with only brief breaks, De Bruyne acknowledged the advantages of his enforced break. While admitting that he didn’t necessarily require time off the field, he believed that taking this opportunity to reset and prioritize self-care was a valuable experience. In his own words, De Bruyne said, “When I reflect on my career, playing the last 10 years non-stop with a short break, maybe it was good for me to reset a little bit in a way and take care of myself when it is not really possible during the year.” He hoped to make a strong comeback and is satisfied with his progress thus far, although he acknowledges the need for continuous improvement.
Having missed 27 games, De Bruyne made his triumphant return in the squad’s 2-0 victory over Sheffield United on December 30th. Gradually easing himself into the game, he finally had the chance to showcase his skills against Huddersfield. In an honest admission, he expressed his relief in being back on the pitch, as he is not particularly fond of watching games on television. He stated, “I can watch whatever football and I watched every game but I don’t like it.” Despite some ups and downs throughout the season, particularly against Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, De Bruyne remains positive and confident in his team’s performance. According to him, being on par with the other teams in the league indicates that Manchester City is never far away from success.
De Bruyne’s return from injury undoubtedly brings a fresh dynamic to Manchester City’s gameplay. His exceptional vision, technical abilities, and creativity have been crucial in past successes, and it is anticipated that he will continue to make a significant contribution to the team’s endeavors in the upcoming months. Guardiola’s side, currently a dominant force in English football, will benefit greatly from De Bruyne’s reintegration into the squad, especially as they strive for silverware in various competitions.
Kevin De Bruyne’s injury-enforced break from football has unexpectedly provided him with an opportunity for self-reflection and rejuvenation. The midfielder’s return to the pitch has been met with enthusiasm and anticipation, as he looks to play a key role in Manchester City’s pursuit of trophies. With his technical prowess and immense talent, De Bruyne’s presence will undoubtedly bolster City’s performance and increase their chances of success in the second half of the season.