'Best in the world' - Man City star Kevin De Bruyne sets ambitious goal as he prepares to return from hamstring surgery

The Belgian midfielder, who suffered a heartbreaking early substitution in the Champions League final due to a hamstring issue, has undergone intensive efforts to return to the pitch. Unfortunately, he experienced a recurrence of the injury during the opening night of the Premier League season, leading to his withdrawal from the match against Burnley after just 23 minutes. He is gradually reaching match fitness and has roared that he wants to rise to the top once he is available for selection.

Speaking to reporters, De Bruyne said: "I want to be the best. It just doesn’t stop. I want to be in the best team, I want to be the best player in the world. I still have the motivation every day.

"Even being out for four months, I have tried to find ways to change myself as a player so I can still do what I did before. I am certain I will be fine once I am back on the pitch. I hope to just keep on playing good football and that is good enough.”

Although De Bruyne will travel with the squad to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup, he is not anticipated to regain fitness until mid-January at the earliest. His return would be a huge boost to City ahead of the Champions League knockout stages where they will look to defend their crown.

De Bruye was in incredible form last season as he provided a remarkable 31 assists in 49 games and scored 10 goals as well.

De Bruyne will miss City's clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Nonetheless, Guardiola will be keen to get the three points and cut down the gap of four points with leaders Liverpool at the top of the table.