In a stunning revelation that sheds new light on Belgium's dramatic World Cup exit, Manchester City maestro Kevin De Bruyne has detailed the extent of the debilitating hamstring injury that nearly cost him his place in the tournament entirely.
The Injury That Threatened Everything
De Bruyne confessed to playing through excruciating pain during Belgium's crucial round of 16 clash against Portugal, a match that would ultimately see the Red Devils bow out of the competition. The midfield genius revealed he was operating at barely 60% fitness, with his hamstring causing constant concern throughout the high-stakes encounter.
The Penalty Decision That Divided a Nation
Perhaps most startling is De Bruyne's admission about Belgium's penalty situation. With regular penalty taker Romelu Lukaku struggling for form, the responsibility fell to others - but De Bruyne's physical condition made taking the spot-kick himself an impossible task.
'I couldn't risk it,' De Bruyne explained. 'The way my hamstring felt, the explosive movement required for a penalty could have ended my tournament there and then. I had to be honest with the coaching staff.'
A Leader's Sacrifice
Despite his physical limitations, De Bruyne's leadership shone through in what he describes as one of the most challenging matches of his illustrious career. The playmaker pushed through the pain barrier, creating opportunities and directing play while carefully managing his movements to avoid further damage.
The injury saga began weeks before the tournament, with De Bruyne undergoing intensive rehabilitation in a race against time to be fit for Qatar. His determination to represent his country saw him make remarkable progress, though the underlying issues persisted throughout Belgium's campaign.
Looking Ahead to Recovery
Now focused on his recovery with Manchester City, De Bruyne remains philosophical about the experience. 'Sometimes being a professional means knowing your limits,' he reflected. 'It was heartbreaking to not be at my best when my country needed me, but sometimes the body says no.'
The revelation provides fascinating insight into the difficult decisions top athletes must make during major tournaments, where national pride and physical limitations often collide in the most dramatic fashion.
