Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne insists he “wasn’t exhausted” at the end of last season, despite concerns from manager Pep Guardiola.
The Belgian, 27, has started only twice for the Premier League champions this season after suffering two significant knee injuries. Guardiola said last week that the player had started the season “tired” following the World Cup in Russia. But De Bruyne says he “felt OK” to return after the summer.
Guardiola felt De Bruyne making 52 appearances in 12 months in all competitions for City and then playing a central role in Belgium’s third-place finish at the World Cup, had taken its toll.
“Kevin finished last season exhausted,” the Spaniard said.
“It was so tough for him and when he came back I had the feeling he was a little bit tired.”
