De Bruyne inspired to extend playing career after COVID-19 lockdown

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With the 2019-20 Premier League campaign suspended until at least the end of April due to the coronavirus outbreak, Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne says the forced layoff has inspired him to extend his playing career.

"I told my wife I’m going to play a little longer,” De Bruyne said, according to Reuters. "After this lockdown, I cannot stay at home. I told her I’m going to take two years more.

"It’s time to play football again. I miss it and it’s difficult. But we are not important, football is not important. People love football ... but you need to stay safe."

De Bruyne, who was plagued by injuries last season, had been enjoying an incredible Premier League campaign before play was halted last month.

The Belgian was on course to break the all-time assists record of 20 in a single campaign after providing 16 in 26 matches - the same output he finished with during 2017-18 when he was named Premier League Playmaker of the Season.