"What is a golden generation? Stupid" - Kevin De Bruyne involved in disagreement with journalist after Belgium's Euro 2024 exit
Manchester City and Belgium attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne had a tetchy exchange with a journalist after Belgium was eliminated from Euro 2024. The midfielder did not appreciate comments about his national team being referred to as a 'golden generation' by journalist Tancredi Palmeri.
Belgium have failed to claim yet another international trophy despite fielding a team with some of the most talented athletes on the planet. The best the team has achieved is a semi-final appearance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
De Bruyne was not in any mood to discuss the labels used to describe his team after their recent loss to France in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024. When asked by Palmeri how he felt about 'the golden generation' underperforming again, he said (via Independent):
“What is the golden generation? You say that France and England and Spain and Germany is not a golden generation? OK.”
The Manchester City maestro stalked off after the interview and was filed muttering:
"Stupid."
The midfielder will be keen to put the disappointing tournament behind him and return to featuring for his nation in the World Cup Qualifiers. De Bruyne will be 35 when the tournament is played in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026.
Kevin De Bruyne is unsure of his Belgium future after Euro 2024 elimination
Manchester City and Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has cast doubts over his future with the national team after their elimination from Euro 2024. The Red Devils were knocked out by France in the Round of 16 after a disappointing campaign yesterday, July 1.
De Bruyne had previously hinted that this would be his last tournament with Belgium but said after the loss to France (via Manchester World):
“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."
He concluded:
"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."
The Manchester City star is one of the greatest players in his country's history with 28 goals and 49 assists in 105 appearances for Belgium.