Kevin de Bruyne explains reason for Chelsea exit; says Jose Mourinho wanted him to stay

Former Chelsea star Kevin de Bruyne talks about what led to his Stamford Bridge exit

His recent revelation about his departure from Chelsea sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the exit of Kevin de Bruyne from the club and the role played by then-manager Jose Mourinho in influencing his decision.

The Belgian midfielder’s candid explanation provides valuable insights into the dynamics between player and manager, as well as the complexities of career development in professional football.

De Bruyne’s departure from Chelsea in 2014, after limited opportunities in the first team [only nine appearances] and loan spells away from the club, has been a subject of speculation and curiosity among football fans. In his recent remarks, he offered clarity on the situation, revealing that Mourinho was keen on retaining him at Stamford Bridge despite interest from other clubs, including Borussia Dortmund under Jurgen Klopp.

Here is what KDB told TNT Sports via Twitter:

“I signed for Chelsea knowing I would be loaned out the first year, and if I do really well we’ll see what happens. Went to Werder Bremen, had a really good year. But then in the summer it was a bit of a toss-up. I could’ve gone to Dortmund with Klopp at the time or stay, and Jose wanted me to stay.”

“It just didn’t work out, I was maybe a little bit impatient at the time also, but I just wanted to play football. I had the confidence – I know there’s a lot of good players there and I understand how it works for the young guys. I didn’t want that situation anymore, so I pushed a little bit to get sold.”

In a parallel universe, it is another blue-wearing team he’s balling out for!

The midfielder’s desire for regular playing time and a clearer pathway to first-team football prompted him to consider his options carefully. While acknowledging Mourinho’s preference for him to stay at Chelsea, De Bruyne highlights his own impatience and ambition to play regular football as factors influencing his decision to seek a move away from the club.

Look at what impatience does to people if it is meant for the right things. He is potentially the greatest midfielder to play in the Premier League. Knowing he achieved so much but not at Chelsea is a bit hurtful for the Stamford Bridge faithful.

Mourinho’s role in blocking De Bruyne’s potential move to Dortmund adds another dimension to the story, underscoring the manager’s belief in the midfielder’s talent and potential contribution to Chelsea’s success. His decision to prioritise retaining De Bruyne reflects the player’s perceived value within the squad and the manager’s strategic considerations at the time.

Ultimately, De Bruyne’s departure from Chelsea and subsequent success at Manchester City demonstrate the unpredictable nature of footballing careers and the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise. While his time at Chelsea may have been brief and challenging, it served as a formative period in his development as a player and shaped his subsequent career trajectory.

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As he continues to thrive at Manchester City and establish himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest, De Bruyne’s story serves as a testament to the resilience, determination, and adaptability required to succeed at the highest level of professional football.