Kevin de Bruyne admits he is on an epic quest for multiple silverware in 2021 as he returns to action with Belgium.
The midfielder is part of Manchester City’s side who top the Premier League, are in the League Cup final, FA Cup semi-final and Champions League quarter-finals.
But as well as being a key part of City’s quadruple bid under Pep Guardiola, he is also a vital cog for his country.
Belgium top the FIFA world rankings and are in the rescheduled Euros this summer in Group B with Denmark, Finland and Russia.
Asked about the prospect of lifting five trophies, the Etihad ace,29, replied: “That would be nice obviously but it is so hard.
“When you start the season you want to win everything as a player.
“You know with the schedule and level of competition it is really high.
(Image: REUTERS)
“I think it is already a privilege my team and country are in a position to win these things.
“There are not a lot of players who have the chances to win silverware.
“I am in a privileged position to fight for these trophies and at the end of the season we will see how many I was capable, and the team was capable, of achieving.
“At the moment it is still zero but hopefully there will be a few in the end.
“The schedule afterwards is very busy with Champions League, semi-finals and finals.
“It gets more and more difficult and the level keeps increasing.”
(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Midfielder De Bruyne is preparing for Wednesday’s opening World Cup qualifier at home to Wales in Leuven.
The star only returned last month after nearly four weeks out with a hamstring injury at City.
But he insists he will cope with Belgium’s hectic schedule of games against Wales, the Czech Republic and Belarus in the next week.
De Bruyne, who has four goals in his last three club appearances, added: “It was a small injury and there have been no problems since I have been back.
“It is always a misconception when you are injured that this is time off.
“Players work hard and it is not always nice to have an injury.
“When I got the injury the team was playing really well and we were already on a winning streak.
“Afterwards it was nice to see that the team kept playing with the same intensity and was winning.
“There was less push to get back as soon as possible and I could re-integrate myself in the right way and get myself ready mentally and physically to help the team.
“I think from the moment I came back that is what I have done.”
