RENTON: Kevin De Bruyne has accomplished plenty in his decorated career. Yet, the star Belgian midfielder does not plan to take his fourth World Cup appearance for granted.
Ahead of Belgium’s World Cup opener against Egypt, the 35-year-old De Bruyne stressed much has changed since his days as a Premier League sensation for Manchester City. Nearly two decades removed from representing his home country for the first time and 119 appearances later, the two-time Premier League player of the season considers himself grateful to do so.
“It’s an honor for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years. So, that means I’ve done something good,” De Bruyne said with a laugh during the English portion of Saturday’s press conference. “Hopefully I can play a good tournament and do something well for Belgium.”
Before Belgium’s practice at the training facility of Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders, De Bruyne declared himself ready for the tournament.
“I have done everything I could to get fit,” De Bruyne said in French, “and I feel that way too.”
