De Bruyne Won't Be Leaving Man City Says Guardiola

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne - AFP
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne - AFP
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De Bruyne Won't Be Leaving Man City Says Guardiola

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne - AFP
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne - AFP

Pep Guardiola insists Kevin De Bruyne will not leave Manchester City this season.

De Bruyne has just one year left on his current City contract and the midfielder revealed recently he has spoken with his wife Michele about his future plans.

"For Michele an exotic adventure is OK," De Bruyne said in a hint that he could end his successful spell at Premier League champions City.

UK press reports on Tuesday said City manager Guardiola had rejected any thought of the 33-year-old being allowed to walk away this season.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City's friendly against Celtic in North Carolina, Guardiola told reporters "Kevin isn't leaving".

De Bruyne returned after missing the first half of last season due to injury and helped City make history with a fourth successive Premier League title, AFP reported.

He has been with City since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, winning 15 major trophies including six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown.

While Guardiola is adamant, his influential playmaker will stay at the Etihad Stadium this term, it remains to be seen if he can persuade the Belgian to remain in Manchester longer than that

"My eldest (child) is now eight years old and knows nothing but England. He also asks how long I will play at City. Once the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way," De Bruyne said in a recent interview.

"At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.

"If I play there for two years, I will be able to earn an incredible amount of money."

Meanwhile, Guardiola claimed City would not make major changes to his squad before their Premier League season kicks off against Chelsea on August 18.



LeBron James to be Team USA Flagbearer for Paris Olympics

FILED - 02 September 2018, Berlin: Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James speaks during a promotion tour under the name of "More than an athlete." Photo: Carsten Koall/dpa
FILED - 02 September 2018, Berlin: Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James speaks during a promotion tour under the name of "More than an athlete." Photo: Carsten Koall/dpa
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LeBron James to be Team USA Flagbearer for Paris Olympics

FILED - 02 September 2018, Berlin: Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James speaks during a promotion tour under the name of "More than an athlete." Photo: Carsten Koall/dpa
FILED - 02 September 2018, Berlin: Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James speaks during a promotion tour under the name of "More than an athlete." Photo: Carsten Koall/dpa

LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading points scorer, will be the male flagbearer for Team USA at the Paris Olympics, the USOPC announced on Monday.

James, 39, was picked by his fellow US Olympians for Friday's ceremony on the river Seine. The female flagbearer will be announced on Tuesday.

"It's an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together," Los Angeles Lakers power forward James said in a statement from the USOPC.

"For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations.

"Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I'm proud to be a part of this important moment."

The ceremony on the Seine will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main stadium.

James, an Olympic gold medallist in 2008 and 2012, is not the only NBA star set to bear the flag for his country in Paris.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and league champion in 2021, will perform the role for Greece.