Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne asserted that he was primarily focused on returning to his best for now amid rumors of a potential exit. The Belgium international is now into the final six months of his contract with the Premier League champions, and hasn't penned an extension yet.
De Bruyne has not been at his best this season, netting only twice and making three assists from 13 league matches. Moreover, he has not made a single direct contribution in the Champions League.
Injuries have become a serious issue for De Bruyne, who missed 18 games in the top-flight last season, and another five in the current one. Although he could move to another league that's less intense once his contract with City is up, the 33-year-old insists he's only focused on getting back to his best.
When asked about his future at the club, he said (via GOAL):
"I don't care. I'm just trying to get back to my level. I feel every week I'm getting better. I can play for 90 minutes now. It's been an uncomfortable couple of months with the injury."
De Bruyne's decline in form has been precipitated largely by the recurring hamstring injury, but City as a whole have underwhelmed this season. With just 10 wins from 20 games, the four-time defending English champions are down in sixth place in the league. They are trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points, although the latter have two games in hand.
Manchester City next play Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, January 11.
Struggling Manchester City slowly getting back into gear
Manchester City have recently returned to winning ways and are finding their rhythm again. They have beaten the relegation-battling Leicester City and the out-of-form West Ham United in their last two matches.
Next weekend, they play fourth-tier side Salford City in the FA Cup, followed by a pair of league matches against Brentford and Ipswich Town, all of which are winnable on paper.
It would certainly add a lot of momentum as a daunting clash away to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) awaits them in the Champions League.