Frank Lampard shares why Chelsea sold Kevin De Bruyne. Kevin De Bruyne departed the Blues in 2014 due to fierce competition for positions, according to Chelsea manager Frank Lampard. Since then, the Belgian superstar has cemented his position as one of the world’s top midfielders.
For an alleged cost of £7 million, Kevin De Bruyne moved from Genk to Chelsea in January 2012. He spent the remainder of the season on loan at Genk before moving on to the 2012–13 season on loan to Werder Bremen of the Bundesliga.
The next season, when he returned to Chelsea, he found it difficult to fit into Jose Mourinho’s team and only made nine appearances for the team. After joining Wolfsburg, De Bruyne was able to restore his status in European football.
The Belgian international was later acquired by Manchester City ahead of the 2015–16 campaign, where he went on to establish himself as one of the top midfielders in the world.
De Bruyne’s departure was discussed by Frank Lampard, a Blues player who was still on the pitch at the time. In a press conference before the game, he responded to the following query (via METRO): “Kevin was more competitive for the No. 10 spot or one of the two wide positions.”
“We were certainly pretty stacked in those attacking areas when he was a member of our team in his earlier years. Juan Mata, Eden [Hazard], and [Andre] Schurrle were all present, and Kevin, as far as I can recall, had a genuine desire to enter the game.”
He added: “I am unaware of the specifics of what transpired between him, the team, and the manager at the time, but looking back, I respect the fact that he left to play professional football. He has always wanted to show off the potential he possesses, and you can see that hunger in his play.”
Against Chelsea, Manchester City’s standout player Kevin De Bruyne will want to keep up his recent success:
When Manchester City takes on Chelsea at the Etihad later today (May 21), superstar Kevin De Bruyne will be looking to make a statement.
Following Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, Manchester City were officially crowned Premier League champions yesterday. With three games remaining, Pep Guardiola’s team has a 12-match winning streak and 85 points.
Kevin De Bruyne plans to build on his incredible season thus far. In 45 appearances across all competitions, he has contributed 28 assists and 10 goals, and he will be eager to wreak havoc on a faltering Chelsea team.
De Bruyne and Manchester City are also actively pursuing the triple. They will take on Inter Milan on June 10 in the Champions League final and Manchester United on June 3 in the FA Cup final.
Keep an eye on your favorite stars and their performance on the field with the newest football updates and rumors.
