Kevin De Bruyne would prefer to face Paul Pogba in Manchester derby

Published 05/12/2017 at 09:27 GMT

Manchester City player Kevin De Bruyne has responded to Paul Pogba's wish that he hopes for City players to be injured by saying Karma is, "s***."

Kevin de Bruyne Manchester City

Image credit: Getty Images

Pogba had said in a recent interview of City: "Some day I hope they are going to slip and I hope, and I know that it’s bad to say things like that, but I hope for us that some very important players get injured.”

This led to some citing the effect of karma on Pogba when he was sent off on Saturday evening against Arsenal for an ugly foul on defender Hector Bellerin.

De Bruyne, however, rejected the notion of karma, which is a spiritual principle of cause and effect, part of religions including Hindusim, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Taoism.

Champions League

Ferdinand predicts 'passing of the torch' is coming between Foden and De Bruyne

09/04/2024 at 07:46

“I don’t believe in that s**t, I’m a very straight forward guy.

“If someone believes it is karma then OK - everyone has their right to their opinion.

“I don’t want anyone to get injured. It’s a competition, you want to play against the best teams and the best players.”

Paul Pogba of Manchester United stamps on Hector Bellerin of Arsenal and is later sent off for the challenge during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on December 2, 2017 in London, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

De Bruyne shrugged off Pogba's comments, and while acknowledging his talent, did not speculate on what affect his absence would have on United's approach:

“I don’t care. He can say whatever he wants. We just have to be focused on whatever we’re doing.

“It depends what they want to do.

“He’s a massive player - I know him a little bit, and he’s unbelievable.

“He took a red card and that’s the way it goes. You have injuries and suspensions.”

Premier League