“It’s been a tough week” – Kevin De Bruyne issues emotional response to Real Madrid and Chelsea results | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has emotionally discussed the difficulty of recent fixtures against both Real Madrid and Chelsea.

The Belgian international started back-to-back games against both Real Madrid and Chelsea, as Manchester City bounced back from an agonising European last-eight exit by reaching successive Emirates FA Cup finals.

Pep Guardiola’s side were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League on penalties at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, suffering a 3-4 shoot-out loss following a 4-4 aggregate draw with Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

Manchester City responded with a resolute 1-0 win over Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday evening, as Bernardo Silva’s 84th minute goal booked the Blues’ place in a third FA Cup Final under the management of Guardiola.

The Cityzens will return to Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25th May, where they could face local rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final again, or buoyant Championship outfit Coventry City.

De Bruyne started last season’s 2-1 win over Manchester United in the final, as Ilkay Gundogan scored twice during an historic victory in north London.

The 32-year-old has been key for Manchester City since returning from hamstring surgery in January, and could propel Guardiola’s side to a domestic double, as Guardiola’s side bid to lift both the Premier League title and FA Cup trophy next month.

The Belgian has been directly involved in 19 goals since returning from a five-month absence, with the midfielder having undergone surgery for a hamstring injury suffered against Burnley on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Discussing the Blues’ challenging week, De Bruyne reflected on the emotional impact of the results against both Real Madrid and Chelsea.

“I’m really tired, it’s been a tough week,” admitted the 32-year-old midfielder.

“The character in the group is clear after Wednesday. To come here and put in that performance is unbelievable.”

Manchester City are back in action on Thursday evening, where they will look to continue their Premier League title pursuit with a win over Brighton at the AMEX Stadium.