Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has revealed how he played in Friday’s Euro 2020 quarter-final 2-1 loss to Italy with a tear in his ankle ligaments.
The 30-year-old was initially a doubt for the game after sustaining the injury in the last-16 victory over Portugal.
De Bruyne said after the defeat: “For me personally it has been four or five weird weeks. But I especially want to thank the medical staff.
“It was a miracle that I played today because there was definitely damage to my ankle. A tear in my ligaments. But I felt the responsibility to play for my country today. Too bad I couldn't do more.”
De Bruyne added “It was a difficult tournament for us, we suffered many injuries. We fought until the end. Italy were better than us in the first half, but in the second we created more chances. We could have got it to 2-2 but we didn't.
“We lost against a top-notch team. We'll try to win next time, at the World Cup, but first I have to recover physically. I've had too many (injury) problems in the last few years but I've always tried to give everything for the team.”
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Italy will play Spain for a place in the final of Euro 2020.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
