Kevin De Bruyne has suggested that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - that gets underway this month - could well be his last, and as such, he wants his kids to see him perform in person on the biggest stage.
The Belgium international seems relatively relaxed ahead of the upcoming tournament, after scoring a stunning free-kick in Manchester City’s recent 0-1 away win against Leicester last weekend.
Kevin De Bruyne is expected to travel to Qatar with his family and the entire Belgium squad in a couple of weeks, where he will face Canada, Morocco and Croatia in Group F of the competition.
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Belgium will be looking to make a statement in Qatar, after finishing third at the 2018 World Cup, leaving many fans wondering if this is the final chance for a team regarded by many as a 'golden generation' to land the trophy.
The 31-year-old has made two appearances at World Cup finals already in his career, finishing third in 2018 and reaching the quarter-finals in Brazil in 2014, but the Manchester City vice-captain knows that 2022 may well be his last opportunity to go all the way.
“My family are going over for the (World Cup) group stages,” he said in a recent interview.
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“I am obviously 31 and I don’t know what will happen in four years. This is the first time my kids can come to the World Cup.
“That is why they are coming. It will be special, an event I don’t want them to miss. They are six, four and two. The eldest two follow the football a bit but the daughter, not really, but she can go and enjoy the sun and play in the pool.”
De Bruyne seems relaxed ahead of his third World Cup and is focusing on the hectic schedule of games coming up before the tournament.
He continued, “I am excited. It will be the third one and it is always special.
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"These events are great as everyone is watching. It is big but there is no point to stress about it. I understand what is coming and I cannot speak for someone else who will be there for the first time.
“It is unknown (the timing). There is no point worrying about it or thinking about it. You take it as it comes and try and play as well as possible. We are not talking about it with team-mates. The schedule is too hectic. We had two away games quickly after each other,” he explained.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said that De Bruyne was back on form having urged his star player to up his game earlier in the week.
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“We had a brief conversation but not a big one (after the win against Leicester). Just the usual stuff. I tried to play as good as possible,” the Manchester City playmaker explained.
“You just want to be the best version of yourself you can be.
"I still feel confident in what I am doing”.
The 2022 World Cup will begin on Sunday, 20th November at the Al Bayt Stadium.
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Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium get their competition underway on 23rd November when they face Canada at the Al Rayyan Stadium, with the Red Devils regarded by many as one of the favourites to win their group.
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium, Manchester City, Football World Cup, Premier League, Football
Danny Young