Kevin De Bruyne feels he still has another five or six years at the top level, but has refused to rule out staying at Manchester City past his current contract.
De Bruyne, 30, is City's most influential midfield player and has won the PFA Player of the Year award for two seasons running. He is hitting his stride this season, with his goal against Atletico Madrid his fifth in as many outings - taking his tally to 13 goals and eight assists for the campaign.
For now, the Belgian is looking to continue his form and help City win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup - but he has given a rare update on his future in a new interview where he discussed what the final years of his career could look like.
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Asked by Metro if he is hitting his prime, De Bruyne - who turns 31 at the end of June - said he is confident of continuing at the highest level for another five years.
"I don’t know about my prime years," he said.
"There is a misconception that you are past your prime at 31! I feel good and I’m playing good, so hopefully I can carry on for as long as possible."
De Bruyne is out of contract in 2025, with his current deal expiring two days after he turns 34. He added that while he could continue playing beyond that point, he suggested there are no guarantees that he would end his career at City.
He explained: "I have another three years on my contract here and that’s a long time. As long as I’m fit and feel happy I’ll play but it’s hard to decide now how long that will be. I can see myself still playing at 35, 36 but it has to be the right club, the right challenge."
De Bruyne also confirmed he was taking coaching badges with a view to his post-playing career, but admitted he has no concrete plans for a management career.
"I’m not sure yet," he said of a move into coaching. "I’m doing my badges with the national team. We’ll see."
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