HAMBURG, Germany // Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne says he is staying at Wolfsburg this season.
De Bruyne has been linked with a move to Premier League side Manchester City but the 24 year old said at the Sport-Bild awards Monday that he liked the familiar atmosphere at Wolfsburg.
Pressed, he added, “I, Kevin de Bruyne, will definitely play this season at VfL Wolfsburg.”
De Bruyne, recently named Germany’s footballer of the year, has a contract with Wolfsburg to 2019.
The former Werder Bremen midfielder joined Wolfsburg from Chelsea in January 2014, going on to score 13 goals and set up 27 more in 51 Bundesliga games for the side. He was instrumental in Wolfsburg’s second-place finish last season.
Earlier in the day, Wolfsburg were bracing themselves for “14 very difficult days” until the transfer window closes as they try to fend off interest from Manchester City for De Bruyne.
“These are going to be difficult days for all involved,” coach Dieter Hecking said. “And even if our days together should not continue, I would already now like to wish him all the best.”
Hecking was speaking as the Belgium playmaker was given the trophy for Lower Saxony footballer of the year following his outstanding debut season with Wolfsburg.
German magazine Kicker had reported that City made an offer last week in excess of 60 million euros (Dh 244m).
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