Kevin De Bruyne admits surprise at not being offered new Man City contract

The Belgian international, who turns 34 in June, remains confident in his ability to perform at the highest level and admitted he was taken aback by City's decision to move on without initiating talks for a renewal. Unlike some of his contemporaries - such as Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who have both been offered extensions into their mid-thirties - De Bruyne will depart Manchester at the end of the season.

"I have not had any offer the whole year-they just took a decision," De Bruyne told reporters. "Obviously, I was a bit surprised, but I just have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level, like I'm showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions."

De Bruyne hinted that City's relatively underwhelming campaign-where Champions League qualification is still not assured-may have influenced the club's stance.

"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," he said.

Despite his uncertain future, De Bruyne remains focused on helping City secure a top-five finish, which would extend their remarkable run of consecutive Champions League qualifications to a 15th season. He has yet to make a definitive decision about his next move, though he has been linked with a potential switch to Major League Soccer in the United States.

"I feel like I still have a lot to give. Obviously, I know I'm not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job," he said. "I'm open to anything. I have to look at the whole picture - sporting, family, everything together - and decide what makes the most sense."

The midfielder emphasized that his competitive spirit remains undiminished:

"I like to play football. I like to compete. I can't say 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."

While a move abroad is possible, De Bruyne has not ruled out remaining in the Premier League. His recent appearances, however, have had the air of a farewell tour, with Saturday's match at Goodison Park marking another chapter in what feels like a closing act. He was warmly applauded off the pitch by Everton supporters - a rare gesture that did not go unnoticed.

"It's something really rare to come out and get an applause from another team," he noted. "I just want to say thank you to them. I think they appreciate the way that I play."

Despite a largely uninspired team performance in the 2–0 win over Everton, De Bruyne stood out as one of the few players trying to lift the tempo and drive his side forward. The game was ultimately decided by late goals from Nico O'Reilly and Mateo Kovacic.

Reflecting on the challenge, De Bruyne acknowledged the difficulty City faced against a disciplined Everton side.

"The way Everton play is hard. Defensively they are sound, and we tried to break that down, but it was difficult - especially in the first half. We needed two late goals, but I think we did alright."

As the end of an era approaches, De Bruyne continues to demonstrate the quality, leadership, and professionalism that have defined his time in Manchester - attributes that are sure to attract attention wherever he decides to go next.