Kevin De Bruyne does not believe it is "that important" that Manchester City win the Champions League.
Since De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola arrived at City in 2015 and 2016 respectively, City have enjoyed an unparalleled period of success. The duo have played key roles in the Blues winning the Premier League and League Cup on four occasions each and the FA Cup once.
However, that domestic success has not helped them secure continental glory. City appeared in a Champions League final for the first time in 2021, but the famous trophy remains one that De Bruyne has been unable to get his hands on.
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Before the World Cup City sealed their place in the last 16 of the competition for the 10th successive season, securing top spot in Group G and setting up a two-legged tie with RB Leipzig.
Guardiola's side are once again among the favourites to win the Champions League, but despite what critics say, De Bruyne doesn't believe success or failure in the tournament will define the club, his teammates or himself.
"I don’t think it’s that important," De Bruyne told The Guardian when asked about the importance of lifting the trophy.
"It would be nice, but I think it’s more from the outside. It’s a stick people can beat City with. ‘Oh, you’ve done this but you haven’t done this.’ OK, but we’ve still done really good."
City suffered a heartbreaking late defeat to Real Madrid in the second leg of last season's semi-final, so will be looking to return to the final this season in Istanbul.
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