De Bruyne taking time to savour great year

Kevin De Bruyne is enjoying the afterglow of Manchester City’s “unbelievable” treble-winning season rather than focusing on the future, especially after putting a stop-start season behind him in the FA Cup final.

History was made at Wembley as Pep Guardiola’s swashbuckling side followed up Premier League and Carabao Cup glory by completing the domestic treble.

No men’s side in English football history had previously achieved the feat, while only Bury in 1903 could match Saturday’s 6-0 winning scoreline in an FA Cup final.

Doubles from Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus in the rout of Watford were complemented by efforts by David Silva and De Bruyne, who came on in the 55th minute but did enough to be named man of the match.

“It has been an unbelievable season to win three titles,” the Belgian substitute said. “It says enough.

“To compare generations is very difficult. We are happy with what we have done this season and we are happy to be in the conversation but we should just enjoy the moment because it doesn’t happen very often.”

De Bruyne says it is “already an honour” to be considered one of the best teams in English football history but cares little for talk of going one better by winning next season’s Champions League.

“It is not about topping it, it is about being consistent and trying to achieve the best,” he said shortly after collecting his medal.

“We are not starting the season saying we want to win three titles or four titles, we want to play the way we play and do our best.

“You need a bit of luck of the draw, form and not too many injuries, there are a lot of things going on in a season.

“It is not all about the end product, it is about the journey and you appreciate it even more.

“It has been a stop-start season for me, and it has been difficult at times. I wanted to show the people I am still the same player.”