Few players will be looked back upon as fondly at Manchester City as Kevin De Bruyne once he eventually retires from football.

The Belgium captain took the Premier League by storm, upon his return, and was one of the driving forces behind City's recent dominance. He has, arguably, been one of the Blues' greatest ever creative players and his legacy will be cherished no matter what happens between now and the end of the season.

After injury battles, De Bruyne is now finding it harder to break into the City starting line-up. This week, he was an unused substitute against Newcastle United and Real Madrid leading manager Pep Guardiola to be quizzed about his absence in his pre-Liverpool press conference.

READ MORE: Erling Haaland offer, Kevin De Bruyne agreement and Rodri talks in Man City end of season plan

READ MORE: Four Man City stars may pay a sorry price for their sacrifice this season

"It's just a decision from what I've seen, for many reasons, a few," the Catalan head coach told assembled media. "Never ever is that personal, never ever am I upset.

"But maybe for the demands, the way we now need to play because of the absences or strengths that we have and physicality and many things, we need a game of more control and not up and down. Don't ask me why.

"It's not personal, I decide the decisions, that's all, no more than that..." Many would have expected De Bruyne to naturally retire at the Etihad Stadium.

But with his contract due to expire at the end of the season - and the playmaker earning what is thought to be £400,000-a-week - it seems like an exit is inevitable. Retirement from professional football at this stage of his career seems unlikely though and the 33-year-old has already hinted at where he would like to move to once his time at City was over.

Speaking to Belgian broadcaster VTM in June last year, according to newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, De Bruyne said: "I still have one year of contract, so I have to think about what could happen. My eldest [child] is now eight years old and knows nothing but England.

"He also asks how long I will play at City. Once the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way.

"At my age, you have to be open to everything. You talk about unbelievable amounts in what may be the end of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that." When asked if he would consider a move to the Saudi Pro League, De Bruyne added that he would be able to earn an "incredible amount of money" should he choose to go there.

Like anyone, De Bruyne will be looking out for his family should he be forced to choose a new club this summer. Considering his wage, a move to Saudi Arabia would ultimately be the only destination where he could earn that same amount - or higher - at his age.

The lucrative Gulf state clubs would also be keen to attract De Bruyne considering they are usually on the lookout for players who would be able to grow their league's reputation. The midfielder's comments suggest he would take a move to the Saudi Pro League seriously, too.