Kevin De Bruyne reveals how he REALLY feels about Man City's decision not to offer him a new contract, as Belgian star opens up on meeting that ended his career at the Etihad

As the Manchester City players made their way from the changing rooms inside Goodison Park to the team bus waiting on Goodison Road, it was telling that Kevin De Bruyne decided to stop and speak. The departing City skipper had some things to get off his chest after all.

When the 33-year-old announced at the start of April that this would be his last season at Man City, it emerged quickly that the decision was made by the club rather than De Bruyne himself.

'Whether we like it or not, it's time to say goodbye,' were his words on social media.

Speaking to the written media on Saturday evening, De Bruyne revealed that he was shocked and surprised when he was informed by City's Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain and CEO, Ferran Soriano during a brief meeting that his contract would not be renewed. Pep Guardiola was involved in the decision but not a part of the meeting where De Bruyne was informed.

'There was a little bit (of shock),' admitted De Bruyne. '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,' the Belgian added.

In the days between finding out and going public with his social media post, De Bruyne admitted that 'it wasn't nice' and he struggled as he came to terms with the fact that these would be his last few months at City, ending a decade-long stay in Manchester.

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he was 'shocked and surprised' by Man City's decision not to offer him a new contract

De Bruyne, 33, will leave the Etihad at the end of the season after a decade with the club

The midfielder has said the time between being told he wasn't being given a new deal and his social media announcement 'wasn't nice'

'It was half a week till I reported it out and it wasn't nice. My family weren't home. They were on holiday so it was a bit weird but it is what it is,' he said.

'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.'

At this moment in the mixed zone at Everton, 39-year-old Ashley Young walked past and embraced De Bruyne, who admitted that he has no idea whether he'll still be playing at that age but is sure that he can still play at a good level now.

After City's win on Saturday, De Bruyne went over to get his son from the away end and any decision on his future will be made with his wife and three children, all aged under 10, in mind. De Bruyne has been linked with a move to the MLS or the Saudi Pro League but he refused to rule out a move to another Premier League club when he does become a free agent in June.

'I don't feel awkward. I told them (Begiristain and Soriano) that I feel like I still have a lot to give. I know I'm not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job,' he said. 'I'm open for anything (next) because I have to look at the whole picture. I'm looking at sporting reasons, family and everything together and what makes the most sense for me and my family. I still feel like I can play at a good level, but after I'll have to make a decision once I really know a little bit more.'

City have been heavily linked with both Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz and after spending £180million in January, are set for a busy summer in the transfer window as they look to refresh an ageing side. Earlier this season, Guardiola admitted that he needs players who can cope with the rigours of playing at a high intensity, twice a week.

Though De Bruyne refused to delve specifically into the reasons given to him by City for refusing to offer him a contract extension, he believes that City's struggles this season played a part, even though he believes those struggles are temporary.

'It's basically why they've made the decision because the whole team has struggled,' said De Bruyne.

De Bruyne confirmed he will leave Man City at the end of the season in a social media post earlier this month

De Bruyne will move away from City with his wife Michele Lacroix (left) and their three children

Belgian announced he would be departing City in an emotional letter to fans on social media

'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) 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.'

Only Ryan Giggs (162) has more Premier League assists than De Bruyne (119), who has won 16 trophies at City. His contract will officially expire during the Club World Cup, which will be held from June to July though he is still in the dark over whether he'll feature for City in the USA. 'I don't know' said De Bruyne, when asked whether he'll feature in the States.

If he doesn't, then his last City game will either be the final league game against Bournemouth or the FA Cup Final, if they win their semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Either way, De Bruyne will become the final player to leave City who was in the first-team squad before Guardiola's arrival in 2016 and that in itself, will mark the end of an era that saw City win everything including six Premier league titles and the Champions League.

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