23 June 2024 , 04:14
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Kevin De Bruyne doesn't want to think about international retirement just yet - despite conceding this could be his last European Championships.
The Manchester City marvel took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half as he netted Belgian's second goal in their professional 2-0 triumph over Romania in Cologne.
The Man of the Match told media: "I haven't really thought about whether this is the end of my international career. I don't like thinking about when I'm retiring or my future. I have not decided when I'm going to finish and I don't know if this is my last one [Euros]. I've been playing in this team for 10 years and I have a lot of knowledge to pass on to the younger players but honestly, I have not decided when I'm going to finish."
Youri Tielemans put Belgium ahead inside two minutes before De Bruyne's desire saw him get onto the end of Koen Casteels' long kick upfield - guiding the ball into the net.
According to Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco, De Bruyne has never been happier. The Italian-German head coach said: "I've known Kevin for about a year now, I met him in the first camp in March.
"He wasn't available for us for a full year, I speak to many people that know him so well and they've never seen him so happy and so positive. It's important we get him on the pitch in this kind of mood. We have an extreme amount of potential and the last game against Ukraine will be difficult."
Captain De Bruyne was pleased with his side's response following their shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Slovakia in Frankfurt on Monday.
Kevin De Bruyne was on target for Belgium in the 2-0 win over Romania (Getty Images) He said: "After the first game, I wasn't concerned. I don't think we played badly per se. Obviously we made some mistakes but we created chances, even if we couldn't find the back of the net. We played well during the game [tonight] and I think we deserved the win, so I'm happy.
"We have passion, we have energy. If we could have more possession that would be better but I will put everything in. What's important is that we're creating chances and those situations. Yes, we could be finishing them off a bit better but the important thing is that we're making them."
Belgium winger Dodi Lukebakio is now suspended for the Group E finale against Ukraine after picking up his second yellow card in as many games.