Kevin De Bruyne has admitted he was shocked by Manchester City’s decision not to extend his contract, revealing he had not spoken to the club about his future beforehand.

The 33-year-old confirmed earlier this month that he would depart City when his contract expires this summer, bringing an end to his ten-year association with the club. Manager Pep Guardiola later revealed that it was a club decision, rather than De Bruyne’s desire to leave.

“There was a little bit [of shock],” De Bruyne reflected to the media. “I didn’t have any offer from them through the whole year and the club made a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it.

“Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions.”

Revealing the truth behind the announcement of his exit, De Bruyne confessed City’s decision was made several days before he took to social media to bid farewell to fans.

“It was half a week until I reported it out and it wasn’t nice,” he added. “My family weren’t home. They were on holiday so it was a bit weird but it is what it is.

“After the decision was made and when I came out, it was more of a relief when I reported it to the outside world compared to when I knew and nobody else knew. You don’t know what to do with the emotion with everybody and how to handle it at the club. Now it’s out, it’s fine and people see the way I am. I try to do my best and win games for the team. I love playing football so that’s it.”

It is believed that City opted to part ways with De Bruyne to help fund a major squad overhaul this summer. Reported to earn around £400,000 per week in Manchester, that salary can now be used to sign younger players to help the team compete for the Premier League title again next season.

“It’s basically why they’ve made the decision – because the whole team has struggled,” De Bruyne said.

“Maybe if the team didn’t struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal then maybe they would take another decision. I don’t know – they told me what the decision was and I can’t really say what they think on the inside. I still think that I’m in good shape, I’ve played way more than I did last year except the hernia. I feel good and the rhythm is coming.

“I don’t feel like I want to share [the exact reasons for City’s decision] because it’s basically more business-wise for them and they made a decision based on that. It was not really a long conversation. It was just what they told me and then there’s nothing. I have to accept the situation even though I feel like I can still do a good job but that’s it.”

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