Kevin De Bruyne has delivered two major updates about his future, revealing he still wants to continue with Belgium while denying claims that he tried to leave Napoli.
De Bruyne breaks silence on Belgium retirement and Napoli exit claims
Kevin De Bruyne has delivered two clear messages about his future as questions continue over both his Belgium career and his situation at Napoli.
The 35-year-old has confirmed that he still wants to represent his country despite Belgium entering a new era after the 2026 World Cup.
At the same time, De Bruyne has directly responded to reports suggesting he wanted to leave Napoli during the summer transfer window.
His message on both subjects is simple. He is not ready to walk away.
De Bruyne not ready to leave Belgium
De Bruyne has been one of the most important players in Belgian football for more than a decade.
After the 2026 World Cup, questions were raised over whether the veteran midfielder would finally end his international career.
But De Bruyne says retirement was never seriously considered.
As long as he remains motivated and physically ready, he wants to keep playing for Belgium.
He said:
“As long as I still have that motivation, why wouldn’t I continue?”
De Bruyne still feels physically strong
Age is naturally becoming an important question for De Bruyne.
He is now 35 and has already played hundreds of matches at the highest level.
However, the midfielder says his body is responding well.
De Bruyne believes he is still physically capable of competing at international level.
He has recently completed several full matches and says he has been pleased with his condition since returning to training in August.
For him, the decision about retirement will depend more on motivation and fitness than on his age.
Belgium begin a new era
Belgium are now beginning a new chapter under coach Mark van Bommel.
Several important players from the country’s famous golden generation are no longer involved.
De Bruyne, however, remains available.
With 124 international appearances, he is now one of the most experienced players in the squad.
His experience could become even more important as Belgium introduce younger players and build towards their next major tournament.
De Bruyne admits the end is getting closer
De Bruyne knows that his international career cannot continue forever.
He admitted that the next two years could possibly be his final period with Belgium.
But he refused to make a final decision now.
The midfielder is taking his future step by step instead of setting a retirement date.
If he still feels motivated and physically strong, he is open to continuing.
De Bruyne also responds to Napoli exit rumours
His international future was not the only subject De Bruyne discussed.
The former Manchester City star was also asked about reports that he wanted to leave Napoli during the summer.
Speculation had suggested that De Bruyne could look for another club after a difficult period in Italy.
But the Belgian midfielder has now denied that he tried to force an exit.
‘I went straight back to Napoli’
De Bruyne said he did not hold talks with other clubs about leaving Napoli.
Instead, he explained that he simply enjoyed his summer break before returning to Italy.
He said:
“I just enjoyed my holidays and went straight back to Naples.”
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His comments are a direct response to suggestions that he had been looking for a way out.
According to De Bruyne, there was no attempt from his side to leave Napoli.
Napoli have struggled at the start of the season
De Bruyne’s comments come during a difficult period for Napoli.
The Italian club have collected only seven points from their opening five Serie A matches.
It is their worst start to a league season in around a decade.
That poor run has increased pressure on coach Massimiliano Allegri and several senior players.
De Bruyne is one of the experienced stars facing questions as Napoli try to improve their form.
De Bruyne admits Napoli have had a rough start
The Belgian did not try to hide Napoli’s problems.
He admitted that the beginning of the season has been difficult.
However, De Bruyne believes the results make the situation look worse than the actual performances.
He feels small details have cost Napoli important points.
According to De Bruyne, the difference between their current seven points and possibly having 10 or 11 has often come down to small moments.
Pressure building around Napoli
Napoli’s poor results have created growing pressure around the club.
Italian reports have suggested that Allegri is unhappy with the contribution of some of his experienced players.
De Bruyne has been mentioned among the senior stars expected to produce more.
But there has been no official confirmation of a personal conflict between De Bruyne and Allegri.
For now, the midfielder appears focused on improving Napoli’s results rather than looking for an exit.
A difficult period after Manchester City
De Bruyne joined Napoli after ending his long and successful spell with Manchester City.
Expectations were immediately high because of everything he achieved in England.
He arrived in Italy as one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation.
But his time at Napoli has not always been easy.
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Injuries and changes inside the team have made it difficult for him to consistently produce the performances that made him one of the Premier League’s best players.
De Bruyne still wants to compete
Despite those difficulties, De Bruyne’s latest comments show that his motivation remains strong.
He still wants to compete for Napoli.
He still wants to represent Belgium.
And he is not setting a date for the end of his career.
At 35, De Bruyne appears determined to continue as long as his body and motivation allow him.
Two rumours, two clear answers
The questions around De Bruyne have been very different.
Would he retire from international football?
Did he try to leave Napoli?
Now he has provided his answers.
He never seriously considered leaving Belgium after the World Cup.
And he says he did not try to leave Napoli during the summer.
That leaves De Bruyne with two challenges ahead of him.
He must help Belgium through a period of change while also trying to help Napoli recover from their difficult start.
De Bruyne makes his future clear
At this stage of his career, every season brings more questions about what comes next.
But De Bruyne is not ready to make any dramatic decisions.
His focus remains on football.
If he stays fit and motivated, he wants to keep playing for Belgium.
And despite Napoli’s difficult start, he insists he never tried to leave the Italian club.
For now, one of Europe’s most experienced midfielders is choosing to continue rather than walk away.
