Creative Manchester City sensation drops hint about his Etihad future

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has hinted that he would be willing to stay at the club for a season even if their Champions League ban is upheld. 

The defending Premier League champions face a spell outside of Europe's elite club competition having been handed a two-year ban for breaching financial fair play regulations by UEFA. 

City have appealed the ban and maintain their confidence that the decision will be overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 

Nevertheless, supporters are worried their top stars will leave City should they face at least a season without Champions League football. 

De Bruyne, though, is prepared to go a season without Champions League action and stay at the club, but he may consider his future at the club if the two-year ban is upheld. 

"I'm just waiting. The club has told us that they are going to appeal and that they is almost one hundred percent sure that they are right. That's why I'm waiting to see what will happen. I trust my team," De Bruyne told HLN. 

"Once the statement is made, I will review everything. Two years would be long, in the case of one year I might see." 

De Bruyne has been linked with a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona in recent weeks, but the Belgian reaffirmed that he is happy with City. 

"In recent years, and before then too, there have been many teams who have polled and may have asked what I like. But to be honest, I'm very happy with City," De Bruyne added. 

"I play for one of the best teams in the world, play in England - for my competitive view the best competition - and I like that. It remains a challenge to be the best and I need that too. What is coming is coming. But it's not that I've tried to leave City in those five years.  

"I have also remained calm for my previous transfers. I have never had any problems and have always waited for my moment. With respect, because I think you get most of it back. Even outside of football."