Belgium's de Bruyne relishes veteran status, match-up with Premier League rival Salah ahead of WC opener against Egypt
Seattle, June 14
Ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup campaign opener against Egypt, Belgium star Kevin de Bruyne relished the chance of playing against former Premier League rival Mohamed Salah and spoke on how his status as a veteran helps him enjoy his time with the national side now.
Belgium, the 2018 edition third-place finishing side, will be starting their battle for maiden WC title against Egypt from Monday onwards. Bruyne, since his international debut in 2010, has seen a lot with the national side. In his debut WC back in 2014, his team reached the quarterfinals after achieving their first qualification in 12 years. In the next edition, they fell short, but fared better with a third place finish before crashing out in the group stage in the 2022 edition held in Qatar.
Speaking to the reporters ahead of the match, Bruyne said, as quoted by Reuters, "I think I am probably at a moment in my career where I can maybe enjoy it (playing for the country) more."
"When you are younger, the only thing you want to do is play football and not really be busy with the outside, but I think now I can have a better reflection of what it means to also represent your country for the fourth time (at a World Cup). It is an honour for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years, so that means I have done something good!" he added.
The match will also reunite former Premier League rivals, with Bruyne, now in Napoli, having battled former Liverpool star Salah numerous times in the Premier League in Manchester City colours. The Belgian spoke on his equation with the Egyptian veteran, pointing out that their kids went to the same school and that Salah is a "nice guy".
"It will be nice to see him, it will be nice to compete again like old times," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, Belgium's group stage exit in 2022 was shocking after their 2018 bronze. But de Bruyne's maturity is showing - he's not dwelling on the past. That bit about their kids going to the same school is so wholesome! In India, we see this with our football stars like Sunil Chhetri who always speak about respecting opponents. This World Cup is wide open, and Belgium could surprise everyone.
Wait, de Bruyne in Napoli now? How did I miss that transfer! But his point about enjoying the journey more as a veteran is something every sports fan in India can relate to - look at how Dhoni's calmness evolved over his career. Salah vs de Bruyne is going to be epic. Egypt needs Salah to be at his best, but Belgium has more depth. My prediction: Belgium 2-1, but it'll be a cracker of a match!
As an Indian football fan who grew up watching European leagues on TV, this rivalry brings back memories! De Bruyne's Man City vs Salah's Liverpool were always box-office. But I feel Belgium's golden generation is fading - Hazard retired, Courtois is inconsistent now. De Bruyne is their only world-class player left. Egypt has a strong team too. Should be a close contest. Also, loved that "nice guy" comment - shows real sportsmanship! 🌟
De Bruyne is absolutely right - when you're young, you take everything for granted. But representing your country in 4 World Cups? That's legendary status. In India, we see this same sentiment with our hockey players who cherish every international game. But I think Belgium needs to rebuild - they relied too much on the same core. Still, against Egypt, they should win. Salah can't do everything alone. Exciting times ahead! ⚽
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