RENTON: Kevin De Bruyne has accomplished plenty in his decorated career. Yet, the star Belgian midfielder does not plan to take his fourth World Cup appearance for granted.
Ahead of Belgium’s World Cup opener against Egypt, the 35-year-old De Bruyne stressed much has changed since his days as a Premier League sensation for Manchester City. Nearly two decades removed from representing his home country for the first time and 119 appearances later, the two-time Premier League player of the season considers himself grateful to do so.
“It’s an honor for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years. So, that means I’ve done something good,” De Bruyne said with a laugh during the English portion of Saturday’s press conference. “Hopefully I can play a good tournament and do something well for Belgium.”
Before Belgium’s practice at the training facility of Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders, De Bruyne declared himself ready for the tournament.
“I have done everything I could to get fit,” De Bruyne said in French, “and I feel that way too.”
Even with a clean bill of health, De Bruyne knows he has fewer chances to play for the Belgium national team. The Drongen, Belgium, native admitted as much, noting he doesn’t have another 10 years remaining in his career, and that he wants to enjoy all aspects of this tournament.
De Bruyne’s perspective is significantly different from previous stints with the Belgium national team, and his City tenure.
“You are only focused on winning and the next match,” De Bruyne said, “but after you have won, it is suddenly over.”
De Bruyne doesn’t plan to ease back on his intensity with teammates. But, with other star players like winger Jeremy Doku on the roster, De Bruyne recognizes the onus for winning does not fall solely on him, or seasoned veterans like striker Romelu Lukaku or goalkeeper Thibault Courtois.
The 24-year-old Doku, a teammate with De Bruyne at City for two seasons, has impressed the veteran.
De Bruyne will have a chance to turn back the clock quickly when he and Belgium square off against former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and Egypt in their World Cup opener on Monday.
