by Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne believes the lack of ego in the dressing room has contributed to their major success over the last decade.
Since arriving at the Etihad in 2015, the Belgium international has won the Champions League, six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five League Cups.
During that period, City boasted a squad of many talents – and for part of that time the manager widely regarded as the best in the world was Pep Guardiola.
However, De Bruyne insists the attitude of the players has been a big reason for the high number of titles won, although he admits there have been fallouts along the way.
“In the 10 years I’ve been here I’ve seen a lot of great players but I haven’t seen a lot of ego,” he told the Man City Podcast.
“I feel like everyone knows that everyone is important.
“I know if I can’t play for three weeks and the guy who plays my position plays really well, he deserves it.
“So I have to know how to behave properly with my teammates and with everyone, to behave properly on and off the pitch. It makes life so much easier.
“Sometimes there are arguments, but there have to be arguments or fights or whatever, but it never goes out and I love that.”
De Bruyne also spoke about the difficulties and unrealistic expectations he faced after a lengthy injury layoff last season following surgery on a hamstring injury.
“I feel like after six months of being away, people think I’m coming back and I’m going to be like this (perfect),” he added.
“Obviously Newcastle (when he scored and assisted on his return) was great, but there were games where my body was really hurting because I hadn’t done that for six months.
“I knew that after that pain on the way back, I needed a really good Euro where I was at my best physically, and then a break.
“And now I feel like I’m back to where I was before, so let’s hope it continues.”
