De Bruyne Casts Doubt On Long-Term City Future If EURO Ban Is Upheld
Kevin de Bruyne has indicated that his long-term future at Manchester City hinges on the outcome of their appeal against a two-season ban from European competitions by UEFA.
In February, the English champions were handed the ban by Europe’s football governing body for breaking Financial Fair Play rules and breaching UEFA’s club licensing regulations while also being fined £25m.
City have appealed against UEFA’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport but a resolution to the case has been shelved for the time being because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Should they fail with their appeal to have the ban overturned, Man City, who are currently second in the Premier League, will have their place in Europe taken by the fifth placed side in the Premier League.
"I'm just waiting," said De Bruyne in a video interview with HLN Live. "The club has told us that they are going to appeal and that they are almost one hundred percent sure that they are right.
"That's why I'm waiting to see what will happen. I trust my team. Once the statement is made, I will review everything.
"Two years [without European football] would be long, in the case of one year I might see.
"But I'm very happy with City. I play for one of the best teams in the world, play in England – for my competitive view the best competition – and I like that.
"It remains a challenge to be the best and I need that too. What is coming is coming."
De Bruyne, who is a contender for this season’s PFA Player of the Year, still has three years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
