Belgium's De Bruyne says fourth World Cup is one he can enjoy

Belgium's star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is embracing his role as a senior figure in the national team, anticipating his fourth and likely final World Cup. De Bruyne, who has represented Belgium since 2010, told reporters that his extensive experience allows him to savor the current opportunity more than in his younger years. He feels he can now better reflect on what it means to represent his country at a World Cup for the fourth time.

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I think I'm probably at a moment in my career where I can maybe enjoy it more.

"I think I'm probably at a moment in my career where I can maybe enjoy it more," De Bruyne said. "When you're younger the only thing you want to do is play football and not really be busy with the outside, but I think now I can have ... a better reflection of what it means to also represent your country for the fourth time (at a World Cup). "It is an honour for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years, so that means I've done something good!"

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It is an honour for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years, so that means I've done something good!

Ahead of Belgium's Group G opener against Egypt, De Bruyne looks forward to facing his Premier League rival Mohamed Salah. The two have been key figures for Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively, for years. De Bruyne noted their long-standing rivalry and a personal connection, as their children attended the same school. "I've played against Mo for 10 years, our kids also went to the same school too so I saw him from time to time, he's a really nice guy," De Bruyne said. "It will be nice to see him, it will be nice to compete again like old times."

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I've played against Mo for 10 years, our kids also went to the same school too so I saw him from time to time, he's a really nice guy.

De Bruyne also downplayed concerns about Belgium's training sessions being watched, following reports of additional fences being erected at their team base. He stated that while he understands the need for privacy during training, he doesn't see it as a major issue. "I think it's also important for us (that) when we're training on something, it is a bit private," he said. "It's kind of important to do things and also important not to give any news to Egypt or Iran or other teams. For me, it's nothing special, but that's it."

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It will be nice to see him, it will be nice to compete again like old times.