Kevin de Bruyne insists he is happy to play in any role for Belgium
Monday 20 June 2016 12:15, UK
Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has denied he requested a change of position in the team ahead of the 3-0 victory over Republic of Ireland.
The Manchester City player was utilised on the right side during the Group E opener in Lyon against Italy, which Belgium lost 2-0.
But the 24-year-old moved into a central role against Ireland, with Eden Hazard on the left and Romelu Lukaku spearheading the attack in Bordeaux.
De Bruyne has dismissed rumours he was unhappy with the tactical formation against Italy, and explained the issue has never been raised during his time in Manchester where he has played on the right side of the pitch.
"People like to talk, people like to criticise, that's part of the game," de Bruyne said.
"In one way I don't think there is an issue, I never said something, but if people want to talk about it or discuss it that's alright.
"I don't even give it too much attention to be fair. I think they have already been saying the same for the last eight years that I've played football and I did the same this year, and I never heard any stories about it at City.
"So I don't know why it's always happens in the national team, but OK it's there and it doesn't even bother me to be fair."
Belgium complete their group schedule with a match against Sweden in Nice on Wednesday, and a meeting with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
