Kevin De Bruyne slams ‘stupid’ question as Man City star gives update on his international future

Kevin De Bruyne’s frustrating Euro 2024 was plunged to new depths on Monday as Belgium were eliminated by France.

A 1-0 defeat in Dusseldorf - secured by a late Jan Vertonghen own-goal - means it’s another disappointing exit for the Belgians, and perhaps De Bruyne’s last act on the international stage.

It’s been a thoroughly irritating tournament for the Manchester City star, who has often looked exasperated on the pitch. At times it felt like De Bruyne was on a one-man crusade to push the team on, while the fans have voiced their displeasure at the side and booed the players after a 0-0 draw against Ukraine in the final group game.

That led De Bruyne to instruct the players to leave the pitch rather than applauding the supporters. The Belgian captain called for unity in the build-up to the last-16 tie against France, but it was his missed chance late on that came back to bite Domenico Tedesco’s side.

With emotions still running high after the game, De Bruyne faced the media in the mixed zone and was asked whether this had been the final chance for Belgium's fabled ‘golden generation’. The question clearly struck a nerve with De Bruyne, who replied: “And you say that France and England and Spain and Germany is not a golden generation?”

The 33-year-old was then filmed muttering ‘stupid’ as he left, while the journalist who asked the question, Tancredi Palmeri, labelled De Bruyne a ‘spoilt brat’ on X.

Meanwhile, the midfielder has previously hinted that this will be his last major tournament for Belgium, but said after the France defeat that he will not make any decisions until later this summer.

“It's too early to answer. Let me process this loss,” he said. “It's been a very long season, I need to rest my body. I will make my decision after the summer.

"I'm very happy physically and mentally after the year I've had. That's what I wanted, to come out of a season healthy and in good shape. Unfortunately, now it's time to rest. When I come back I'll put everything together, but I feel really good."