"I need to rest" - Kevin De Bruyne storms out of press conference and addresses Man City future

Kevin De Bruyne was filmed leaving a press conference and calling a question 'stupid' following a short, pointed answer after Belgium's Euro 2024 defeat to France.

After an underwhelming group stage, Belgium faced a tricky last-16 clash with France, and offered a more defensive set-up than they had used so far in the tournament. It looked to be effective, nullifying France's attacking threats, but a late deflected goal from Randal Kolo Muani sent De Bruyne's side crashing out.

De Bruyne had previously ushered his players away from their own fans after their group stage campaign finished, with a disconnect between the squad and nation due to their disappointing form. After exiting the Euros, De Bruyne was similarly frustrated, taking it out on a reporter after the game.

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Following a question about Belgium's so-called 'golden generation' and whether they had underperformed again, De Bruyne retorted: "What is a Golden Generation? And France, England, Spain, Germany don't have one?"

He then turned to leave the podium as he showed his unhappiness at the question, and was filmed muttering the word 'stupid' as he left the room. The journalist in question responded on Twitter to call De Bruyne a 'spoiled brat', while the midfielder posted a more measured picture to Instagram with the caption: "Played our hearts out today. Thanks to everyone who came out to support!"

De Bruyne had gone into the game discussing his future, saying he expected to return to Manchester City for the final year of his contract, but had not received any contact over a new deal or alternatively over any potential transfer. He also swerved questions over his international future, insisting that playing for Belgium was important to him but he was mindful of the long season ahead for City and the pressures international football brings.

Asked again over his international future, the 33-year-old said: “It's too early to answer. Let me process this loss. It's been a very long season, I need to rest my body. I will make my decision after the summer.

"I'm very happy physically and mentally after the year I've had. That's what I wanted, to come out of a season healthy and in good shape. Unfortunately, now it's time to rest. When I come back I'll put everything together, but I feel really good."

Elsewhere at Euro 2024, Portugal survived a scare as they beat Slovenia on penalties - Bernardo Silva putting the demons of his Real Madrid miss behind him to confidently convert the winning penalty after goalkeeper Diogo Costa made three successive saves in the shoot-out.