De Bruyne reveals the extent of his injury problem in Italy defeat

After Belgium’s Euro 2020 campaign ended in defeat to Italy, Kevin De Bruyne opened up on the injury problem he endured in the match.

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he played in Belgium’s 2-1 Euro 2020 quarter-final defeat to Italy with a tear in his ankle ligaments.

The 30-year-old was a doubt ahead of the clash in Munich alongside Eden Hazard. But while the latter could not recover from a knee injury in time, De Bruyne made the starting line-up. He looked dangerous on the ball going forward but did seem to tire as the match wore on.

“For me personally it has been four or five weird weeks. But I especially want to thank the medical staff,” De Bruyne said on UEFA.com after the game.

“It was a miracle that I played today because there was definitely damage to my ankle. A tear in my ligaments. But I felt a responsibility to play for my country today. Too bad I couldn’t do more.”

First-half goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Insigne ultimately proved the difference as Italy defeated Belgium 2-1 to progress to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

Romelu Lukaku’s penalty just before the break handed Belgium a lifeline. The Red Devils threw everything they had in the second half to grab an equalizer, but Italy’s defense was up to challenge.

Robert Martinez’s side ultimately failed to score again and now exit Euro 2020 at the quarter-final stage.

While De Bruyne, who sustained his injury against Portugal in the last knockout round, may return to Manchester City to undergo further tests on his condition.