Man City star De Bruyne finally reveals what Jose Mourinho told him that made him leave Chelsea
Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has recounted the conversation he had with former boss Jose Mourinho which led to him parting ways with Chelsea in 2014.
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Having joined the Blues from Genk for a deal of around €8 million, the 29-year-old made just nine appearances and one assist credited to him during his 18 months reign at Stamford Bridge.
He was offloaded to German League side Wolfsburg on loan before they signed him permanently for €22 million.
By August 2015, he moved to City for €76 million and he has gone ahead to win two Premier League titles among several other domestic silverware but still chasing the Champions League.
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The attacker has now opened up on his first stint in the Premier League, saying he was not wanted at the Bridge. De Bruyne told Sky Sports as per Four Four Two and Daily Mail.
"There was so much in the press about my relationship with Jose Mourinho, but the truth is that I only ever spoke to him twice. The plan was always for me to go on loan for a bit.
"Jose called me into his office in December, and it was probably the second big life-changing moment for me. He had some papers in front of him, and he said, 'One assist. Zero goals. Ten recoveries'.
"It took me a minute to understand what he was doing. Then he started reading the stats of the other attacking forwards - Willian, Oscar, (Juan) Mata, (Andre) Schurrle. And it's like - five goals, 10 assists, whatever.
"Jose was just kind of waiting for me to say something, and finally I said, 'but some of these guys have played 15, 20 games. I've only played three. So it's going to be different, no?'
"It was so strange. I was completely honest. I said, 'I feel like the club doesn't really want me here. I want to play football. I'd rather you sell me.'
"I decided to go away because I felt I didn't have any chances of playing at the time. I didn't see more opportunities coming so for me, it was the best decision to leave Chelsea and go to a situation where I felt I could start again.
"Did I expect it to go this way? Obviously not, because at that time it was a low point in my career but I never had any doubt in my abilities as a football player.
"I can't think what is going to happen eight years down the line playing for City, in World Cups and all that stuff. It's wonderful.
The Belgian has made 249 appearances for the club, and has won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and four League Cups.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne is not impressed with the Etihad club following the new contract terms they have offered him.
Reports have it that the Belgian whose contract expires in 2023 is annoyed with the new offer he received as the Citizens are desperate to keep him at the club.
The 29-year-old's current contract which he signed in 2018 sees him take home around £250,000-a-week, but reports claim he has been offered reduced wages in a fresh contract.
Oluwatomiwa is a sports editor with Legit.ng. He has over eight years of field and office experience in the media industry. He graduated from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 2014 with HND in Mass Communication. Connect with him on Twitter @TomiwaBabalola.