Kevin De Bruyne has already made his feelings clear on playing with Lionel Messi amid reports linking him with a stunning move to Inter Miami. De Bruyne is set to leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old has won 16 major trophies since joining the Etihad outfit, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in their treble-winning campaign in 2023.
He showed what Manchester City will be missing as he inspired his side to a come-from-behind victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. After helping Man City to a big 5-2 victory over Palace, De Bruyne dropped a bombshell regarding his future. Several clubs are thought to be keeping tabs on him ahead of the summer.
Inter Miami are among the teams eyeing a transfer for De Bruyne in a move that would see him link up with Messi, who joined the MLS side in the summer of 2023. The Belgian star has never played with Messi but a switch to Inter Miami would see them become teammates.
De Bruyne prefers Ronaldo as a striker
But Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano could struggle to get both playmakers into the same starting XI. That’s judging by De Bruyne’s comments when asked to pick between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
He sided with the Portuguese forward, referencing his position – claiming he is the same kind of player as the Argentine icon. When asked if he’d prefer to play with Ronaldo or Messi, he replied: “I would probably say Ronaldo because he’s more of a typical striker. Messi is still more of a playmaker. I am a playmaker, you can give me a striker.”
De Bruyne open to offers
De Bruyne starred as Man City beat Palace. Speaking after his stunning showing, he spoke about his future, revealing he is still unsure what happens this summer.
“Next year I don’t know what’s going to happen but if teams come and they can convince me that something sporting is nice, a nice project, I’m able,” he told Viaplay, when pressed on the next club of his legendary career.
“I know obviously I’m not the youngest anymore, but I still feel I’m able to perform at a very high level. I don’t know what teams are interested, or what they want to do, but whatever project is available, I’m willing to listen. I love soccer, I love to play soccer, and if a nice project comes and my family is also good with that, then we’re able to make a decision.”
Premier League return possible?
Asked wheter he could still continue to ply his trade in England with another Premier League club, he replied: “I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t know. It could be, it could be not. It’s very hard because the decision of leaving (Manchester City) has not been that long (ago) so nothing can be decided in a week.“
“And also in the soccer world, I don’t think everything comes in a week. It goes very slowly. I’ve not even seen my family since the announcement. So, I need to speak (with them) and I need to see whatever team wants me, so I don’t know, I have no idea, so we’ll see.”