Kevin De Bruyne says there is no rush to sign a new Manchester City contract after his agent indicated plans to use Neymar’s deal to negotiate new terms.
De Bruyne is two years into his six-year contract at City, which sees him earn £6m a year, but the Ballon d’Or nominee – who Pep Guardiola branded as “the best player in Europe bar one” – has urged patience on any improved deal.
“My agent went already one time to Txiki (Begiristain, director of football),” De Bruyne said after once again starring for City in their 2-1 win over Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“Talks are coming. I’m patient anyway, I don’t stress. I think I read something in the press but I have time.”
The 26-year-old set up Gabriel Jesus to put City 2-0 up against the Serie A leaders following Raheem Sterling’s opener, and hit the bar before Amadou Diawara got one back for the away side.
De Bruyne continues to earn plaudits for his impressive performances this season, but the former Chelsea midfielder was adamant he is not paying attention to the praise around him.
“I don’t care,” he said. “I have to do the things that I do. In football you are going to have highs and lows and you have to live in the middle. I just like to enjoy my football, that’s a big part of me.”
De Bruyne was also involved in a spat at half-time with team-mates Fernandinho and David Silva, who tried to prevent him speaking to the officials.
He said: “It happens. There’s nothing wrong. After one minute, it’s over. At home I get some arguments with my wife! I think it’s normal, it’s necessary.”
