De Bruyne to miss Club World Cup

Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester City playmaker, has revealed the possibility of not participating in next month's Club World Cup in the United States, in a move aimed at avoiding an injury that could affect his career and future in football. De Bruyne's contract with Manchester City ends after ten years at the end of the current season, amid widespread speculation that he could move to a new club during the summer transfer window. Although FIFA has allowed an additional registration period for players in his situation to participate in the tournament, the 33-year-old has not yet decided on his future plans. Speaking after a difficult season in which City lost the English Premier League title to Liverpool and lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace (1-0), De Bruyne said: "It doesn't make sense, but that's what happens when you enter new competitions in the middle of your contract." He added: "I have to take care of myself, because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what will I do? No one will take care of me then, so there is a high possibility that I will not participate in the match, but I don't know, maybe I will play." Manchester City is scheduled to play its first match in the Club World Cup against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco on June 18 in Philadelphia, USA, but De Bruyne's participation appears uncertain given his uncertain future. De Bruyne is a pillar of Manchester City, having helped the team win six Premier League titles, including four in a row, in addition to a historic Champions League triumph since joining in 2015. The Club World Cup will be held from June 14 to July 13, with a large fan base following the event, which brings together the continent's top champions.