Kevin De Bruyne reveals Manchester City captaincy hopes following Ilkay Gundogan exit

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has discussed the potential of becoming the new club captain after Ilkay Gundogan’s departure.

The 32-year-old is preparing to begin his ninth Premier League campaign at the Etihad Stadium, having signed for Manchester City from Wolfsburg in 2015 for a club-record £55 million.

De Bruyne has registered over 100 Premier League assists and scored 96 goals for the Blues, playing a central role in the club’s success in both England and Europe.

The Belgian international has won 14 trophies; including five Premier League titles, during his Manchester City career to date.

The midfielder is the only current member of the squad to have been at the club prior to manager Pep Guardiola, who replaced Manuel Pellegrini as head coach in 2016.

De Bruyne has been named Premier League player of the season twice, and picked up the playmaker award for a third time at the end of the last campaign.

Manchester City begin their latest Premier League title defence away to Vincent Kompany’s Burnley on Friday evening, with De Bruyne preparing to come up against a former club and international teammate.

De Bruyne, who is only three appearances away from equalling Kompany’s appearance tally for the Sky Blues, played alongside the Clarets manager on 53 occasions for Manchester City.

The midfielder could feature at Turf Moor after recovering from a hamstring injury quicker than expected, having been forced off midway through the first-half of the Champions League Final in June.

De Bruyne enjoyed his first minutes of the campaign during the defeat to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield last weekend, after not featuring in any of the Blues’ pre-season friendlies.

The 32-year-old could is also be in contention to become the new Manchester City captain, after Ilkay Gundogan moved to Barcelona on a free transfer.

Speaking about the potential to become club captain, De Bruyne said: “If I get it, I get it. It’s not going to change anything I do for the club. This is my ninth year, I know the club inside out and people know whatever they ask of me, I’ll do.

“I’m not too worried. I try to do the same as always. It’s an honour if I get it and if not, it doesn’t matter.”

Kyle Walker, who has chosen to stay at the Etihad Stadium despite agreeing personal terms with Bayern Munich, wore the armband at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon and is another contender to become the new skipper.

Ruben Dias and Rodri have also acted as captain in the past.

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