KEVIN DE BRUYNE ADMITS 2022 COULD BE HIS LAST WORLD CUP

It is possible that Kevin De Bruyne's last World Cup could be this month and he would like for his children to see him perform on the biggest stage of all. Despite scoring the winner in Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Leicester on Saturday, the Belgium international remains relaxed ahead of the start of the tournament next month. Belgium's Group F games against Canada, Morocco, and Croatia will be attended by De Bruyne's family in Qatar. Having played for Belgium in their third-place finish in Russia four years ago and in the quarter-finals in Brazil in 2014, the 31-year-old knows this may be his last opportunity with the national team.

"My family is going to group stages". As a 31-year-old, I have no idea what will happen in four years. My children will be attending the World Cup for the first time. This is the reason why they are coming. It will be a memorable event that I do not want them to miss. Their ages are six, four, and two. In terms of football, the eldest two follow it a bit, but the youngest does not really follow it, although she can go swimming and enjoy the sun. It is an exciting time for me. The third time is always special, and it will be the third time. As everyone watches, these events are great. Even though it is a large event, there is no need to worry about it. Since this is my third time attending, I am aware of what is to come and I cannot speak for someone else who is attending for the first time.

As far as the timing is concerned, it is unknown. Worrying about it or focusing on it is pointless. It is important to take each situation as it comes and try to play as well as possible. There is no discussion among team members about this issue. The schedule is too busy. Having won at the King Power Stadium - thanks to De Bruyne's stunning free-kick - City moved to the top of the table on Saturday, before Arsenal regained the lead after thrashing Nottingham Forest 5-0 24 hours later. After urging his star to up his game earlier in the week, manager Pep Guardiola said De Bruyne was in good form. The conversation was brief, but not in-depth. Typical stuff. The former Chelsea player stated that he tried to play as well as possible. “As we play so many games and the schedule is so tight, some games are better than others. As far as my playing style is concerned, I am fairly satisfied. Are you capable of doing better? The answer is yes, of course, but I do not take it too seriously as a criticism. In order to achieve your full potential, it is important to be the best version of yourself. My confidence in what I am doing remains intact."

By Rashmi Goel