Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard has revealed why Kevin De Bruyne left Chelsea in 2014.
The Belgium international has since established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.
De Bruyne moved to Stamford back in January 2012 from Belgian club Genk for a reported fee of £7 million.
The midfielder remained at the club on loan until the end of the season, before joining Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on loan during the 2012-13 season.
The Belgium international returned to Stamford Bridge the following season and struggled to integrate himself into the team then handled by Jose Mourinho.
He made only nine appearances for the club and was released by Chelsea to join Wolfsburg and there he rebuilt his reputation in European football.
From there, the Belgium international joined Manchester City ahead of the 2015-16 season, where he has gone on to become one of the best midfielders in the world.
Lampard, who was still an active player for the Blues when De Bruyne was there, gave his thoughts on why the Belgian left.
“Kevin was fighting more for the No.10 position or one of the two wide players,” he told his press conference.
“When he was with us in his younger days, we were probably quite well stacked in those attacking areas.
“Eden [Hazard] was here, [Andre] Schurrle was here, Juan Mata was here and what I remember from Kevin was a real hunger and desire to come in and play.”
Lampard said he did not know what actually happened between De Bruyne and Mourinho but added that he respects the fact the Belgian left the club to pursue regular football.
De Bruyne has helped the Cityzens to a total of five Premier League titles among other trophies. He is now on the brink of winning the Champions League and FA Cup this season.
The Belgian lifted the Premier League with Manchester City earlier on Sunday after beating his former club Chelsea 1-0 at the Etihad.
