**Motivated De Bruyne Wants to Keep Playing for Belgium**
Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has expressed his commitment to the national team, stating that he will continue to play international football as long as he remains motivated. The 35-year-old star, who has amassed 124 caps since his debut in 2010, has not contemplated retirement from the national squad following the recent World Cup, despite being the last active member of Belgium’s celebrated golden generation.
De Bruyne's tenure with the national team began under former coach Georges Leekens, and he is now preparing to add to his impressive record under new head coach Mark van Bommel. The team is set to embark on a new chapter, starting with a match against Italy in Rome this Friday, followed by Nations League fixtures against France and Turkey over the next three weeks.
In recent weeks, De Bruyne has witnessed significant changes within the squad, including the retirement of his longtime teammate Axel Witsel and the absence of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois from the Nations League due to injury. However, De Bruyne clarified in a press conference that he has never considered stepping away from the national team. “No, that was never an issue for me,” he remarked. He noted that after the World Cup, he felt a sense of enjoyment in playing, and many players encouraged him to continue.
Physical fitness and motivation are key factors for De Bruyne. “I also felt physically good and still wanted to play. That’s the most important motivation. As long as I still have that motivation, why wouldn’t I continue?” he stated.
While acknowledging that he believes these might be his final two years in international football, De Bruyne also emphasized the unpredictability of the future, saying, “Never say never. At the moment I feel good, so we’ll see.” He does not see the need to follow Courtois' example of temporarily stepping back from the national team, indicating that he is ready to contribute fully.
De Bruyne has expressed a positive impression of the new coaching staff under Van Bommel, describing him as “a typical Dutchman, very direct in his dealings.” He appreciates the straightforward communication style, which he finds refreshing. “We now have to try to make a good start, and after four matches we’ll know what we can achieve,” he added.
Reflecting on his current form, De Bruyne expressed satisfaction with his performance levels, noting that he was pleasantly surprised by his fitness upon returning to play in August. “I’ve also now played three matches in a row for 90 minutes. If I can continue like this, that’s great for me. It’s very positive,” he said. While he acknowledged that there is a difference in his playing level compared to ten years ago, he considers it a normal progression in an athlete's career.
As Belgium prepares for its upcoming matches, De Bruyne's leadership and experience will be crucial as the team transitions into a new era under Van Bommel. With his motivation intact and a positive outlook on his physical condition, De Bruyne is poised to continue making significant contributions to the Belgian national team.