We feared an award Desaster

BLUES CHIEF KHALDOON: I FEARED KEVIN WOULD BE OVERLOOKED FOR PLAYER OF THE SEASON... WE’VE SEEN IT BEFORE WITH OUR STARS

KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been hailed as Manchester City’s future by Sheikh Mansour’s right-hand man.

De Bruyne, 29, who has blossomed into one of the world’s best players, beat all of Liverpool’s title winners to the player-of-the-season award.

He equalled Thierry Henry’s Premier League record of 20 assists in one campaign, finishing with 22 in all competitions, plus 16 goals.

Blues chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says the Belgium star represents the club’s future. “I was very pleased he won the award but also a bit relieved,” he said.

“I was worried because we have in the past seen City players overlooked for this very important award and I was worried that Kevin would be overlooked this year. Kevin is the best player in the league this year.

“He’s earned it and I’m glad he got this appreciation and respect from the football world. He has become and important leader of this group. He is the future of Manchester City.”

This summer is one of transition for City with David Silva, their most decorated player, and Leroy Sane leaving. Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres have arrived for a combined £62million as City try to close the gap on Liverpool, who finished 18 points clear of them. Khaldoon says they will sign more players.

“When we look at what improvements we have to make for this squad, we’ll be sensible and pragmatic about it, but we will do what it takes,” he said.

“You’ve seen when it comes to the two acquisitions we have made, Ake and Ferran Torres, we moved quickly. There are additional players we will be bringing in.”

Khaldoon claims City target younger players, aged between 20 and 25, but added they would make an exception for an older one if Pep Guardiola wanted him. This may be a nod to Kalidou Koulibaly, although not at Napoli’s £80m asking price for the

29-year-old de- fensive linchpin.