Kevin De Bruyne opens up on injury struggles and future plans after Palace comeback

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he is now playing “pain free” after enduring a difficult season, as he helped Manchester City come from two goals down to secure a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace. The Belgian midfielder was at the heart of the turnaround, scoring a crucial free-kick and providing an assist for Mateo Kovacic.

Manchester City were stunned early at the Etihad Stadium when Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards gave Palace a surprising 0-2 lead. However, De Bruyne’s set-piece just before half-time breathed life into Pep Guardiola’s side. Omar Marmoush equalised before the break, and City took full control in the second half.

Goals from Kovacic, James McAtee, and Nico O’Reilly sealed an emphatic comeback for City, who continue to push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
After the match, De Bruyne spoke openly about his physical condition and his future.

“It’s been a hard year. Having a hernia wasn’t fun but now I would say I’m basically pain free for the last six weeks,” he told TNT Sports.

“Playing with pain was hard but now I feel free. I’m able to do a lot of training sessions and I feel I can do a good job.”

The 33-year-old confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after ten years at the club but says his playing career is far from over.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen but I want to play on, so we’ll see where I can end up.”

“I’ve been here so long. My family has been here ten years, my kids were born in Manchester and have lived their whole life here. So it’s going to be something different for them.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his next move, De Bruyne stressed the importance of enjoying football in the present.

“I want to enjoy playing good football like I did today. I’ll be fine. If I can play football and my family is happy, I’m good.”

City are still in contention for silverware, with an FA Cup semi-final on the horizon. De Bruyne hopes to end his time at the club with another trophy and Champions League qualification.
“That would be brilliant. Now we play Nottingham, who have done really well, but we’re going to try and give it our best shot at winning and that would be really nice.”