Breaking News: Kevin De Bruyne told to quit Man City for same reason Graeme Souness left Liverpool

Graeme Souness admitted money talks towards the end of a player’s career (Image: YouTube/Up Front)

Graeme Souness believes he understands why the Man City maestro is weighing his options after Kevin De Bruyne expressed interest in joining the Saudi Pro League.

Because that’s what Kevin De Bruyne did, Graeme Souness has supported him in his quest to seize the money while he can.

By refusing to rule out leaving Manchester City for a lucrative switch to the cash-rich Saudi Pro League, De Bruyne has set off alarm stations this week. As he approaches his 33rd birthday and his present contract is set to expire next year, it seems impossible to resist the allure of a fat paycheck.

Souness, a legend of Liverpool, reflected on his own departure from the team in 1984 following a brilliant career that saw him play in 358 games and score 56 goals. His decision to relocate to Sampdoria was greatly motivated by the pay benefits.

Souness admitted on the Up Front podcast, “I was guilty of leaving Liverpool for money when I left. I was extremely honest when I told that I would be moving to Italy to live and work because I would be making much more money there.

The Scottish legend believes that De Bruyne may be considering a move to the Middle East as a prudent career move in addition to the financial gain. According to the Liverpool Echo, Souness brought up his alarming injury history despite his outstanding play in England.

“In the case of Kevin De Bruyne, he’s missed about 39 games in the last two years, and it’s closer to 50 over three seasons,” he said, emphasising that the physicality of the Premier League and ageing will only make matters worse.

“There was a black and white moment towards the end of my career where I thought, ‘I’m [physically] done at this level’ I was 34 playing for Glasgow Rangers, there was a player called Ian Ferguson who just brushed me aside and took the ball, and I thought, ‘did that just happen?'”

After winning almost everything there is to win at City, Souness thinks De Bruyne is more than entitled to start reducing the pace of his career.

“I have nothing against players like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo; they’ve earned their stripes,” he continued. You observe Messi moving to Miami, a city known for its Latin culture, where his family can live happily and raise their children. I wouldn’t object if De Bruyne treated Saudia Arabia in the same way.”