Explained: Why Kevin De Bruyne rejected chance to become Manchester City captain

Kevin De Bruyne has worn the captain’s armband at times for Manchester City, but he has never pushed to fill that role on a permanent basis.

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• Midfielder is skipper of his country
• Part of leadership team at Etihad Stadium
• Wants to focus on his own game

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The talismanic Belgian midfielder has formed part of Pep Guardiola’s leadership group for some time, with five senior figures asked to take on added responsibility within that pack. De Bruyne is happy to play his part, as a man that has always looked to lead by example.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  De Bruyne prefers to inspire with actions, rather than words, and it is for that reason that he has never sought to become City’s skipper. According to , the highly-decorated 33-year-old “would rather focus on playing than the extra responsibilities”.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Being a captain is reportedly “not really for him”, despite filling that role for his country. De Bruyne has been left frustrated there, though, and was caught on camera telling Belgium’s sporting director Franky Vercautern “I quit” following a 2-0 UEFA Nations League defeat to France.

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  De Bruyne said in a candid interview after that contest: “The standard is the top level and if you are not good enough you have to give everything, and some are not doing that.” Concerns regarding effort and application are not an issue at the Etihad Stadium – where Guardiola demands nothing but the best.