Kevin De Bruyne, accompanied by his wife Michèle Lacroix, visited the Ronald McDonald House at UZ Brussel in Jette on Tuesday morning to celebrate the charity's 5th birthday.
Significant media attention attracted his arrival following his remarks after Belgium’s defeat against France in the Nations League on Monday night, but the Belgium and Manchester City star refused to comment on speculation.
During a VTM interview following the match, De Bruyne reacted vehemently: "There are people who are not fulfilling their tasks, and then you have problems."
Frustrated after the game, the Red Devils captain expressed his discontent to Belgian football’s technical director, Frank Vercauteren. As shown in footage aired by RTL, he appeared to say "I’m done" – but what De Bruyne exactly said, and whether he is indeed considering ending his national team career, remains to be confirmed.
De Bruyne and his wife Michèle are patrons of the non-profit organisation Ronald McDonald Fund for Children.
Ronald McDonald Foundation co-founder and former president Francois Bouillon, De Bruyne's wife Michelle Lacroix, Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, Ronald McDonald Foundation director Hilde Celeste De Jonge and Head of the UZ Brussels Pediatrics Department Inge Gies. Credit: Belga / Virginie Lefour
Upon arriving at the home providing family support for hospitalised children, he admitted having had “little sleep”. In front of significant media attention, the couple took turns speaking and symbolically cut the cake to celebrate the home’s fifth anniversary.
Given De Bruyne’s hectic schedule, it was challenging for him to make it to the event right after the match in Lyon. Nevertheless, he was committed to this initiative and felt glad to be present in Jette.
As for the loss against France, the Red Devils’ skipper declined further comment, stating the visit "has nothing to do with what happens on the pitch."
