In a week during which he celebrated the start of his tenth year at Manchester City, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has fired a warning to those bidding the topple to reigning Premier League champions.
The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder and his teammates secured the English crown for a historic fourth time in a row last May, making it six titles in seven seasons. And they are in no mood to surrender their status.
Three wins out of three in August against Chelsea, Ipswich and West Ham, sent them into the international break in a familiar position at the top of the pile and De Bruyne promised the desire to keep winning has not diminished one jot.
“Our ambitions this year are just to win,” he said. “We never look ahead at this point in the season; only when you are near the end can you do that and even then it’s hard to do.
“The hunger is still there. I feel the team is in the same shape and Pep is Pep, he will always push us.
“Six titles in seven years is so hard to do and I think people may underappreciate it. When you are doing it, it seems normal but when you reflect on what we have done it’s hard work. The time we didn’t win the Premier League in the last seven years Liverpool had to get 99 points!
“Sometimes as a player it is hard to win things again and again, not so much physically, but you are mentally tired. We did it four times in a row and no one else has ever done it, which says it all. Everyone wants to beat us in every game but we try to find a way. The players really need to want it from within.”
Finding that inner strength has never been a problem for De Bruyne who, since arriving from Wolfsurg in 2015, has won 16 major trophies, including the club’s first ever Champions League. He’s adamant that the recipe for success has never changed – and won’t.
“In the ten years I have been here I have seen many, many great players but I have never seen many egos,” he said. “Everyone in the dressing room knows that other people are important. If I cannot play for three weeks, I know if the guy in my position plays really well then he deserves to stay in.
“Everyone has to handle themselves in the right way towards their teammates. It is important to conduct yourself in the right way on and off the pitch; it makes life much easier.”
That was evident in the summer when De Bruyne was subject of constant speculation about his City future as he entered the last year of his contract and the veteran stage of his career.
There were no grand pronouncements from the player who wasn’t about to feed the rumour mill, but he has now set the record straight.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone,” he insisted. “There’s been a lot of noises. I said in the summer I expected a quiet summer and that’s what happened. I’ve been on holiday, came back, and started training. That’s it. Nothing to tell.
“Once the season goes on, I’m sure there will be conversations to be had [about my future at City]. I just want to feel good and play good football.”
Speaking to City’s Official Podcast, the midfielder, who so far has 103 goals and 171 assists for City, stressed he had nothing but pride for the team’s achievements.
“I have changed over the years and as a player and a person,” he said. “Having a family changes you as a person and you realise this only when you have kids. It helps you because when you are young it's all about the football. Now when you go home after losing a game there is perspective.
“Also when you are 24 years old in the dressing room, no one really comes to you for advice. When I first arrived they would go to Vinny [Kompany], David Silva or Fernandinho. Legends of the club. Now the young guys look at me for advice about how the club works and how you conduct yourself. I’m just a part of something bigger. I take it as it comes.
“I am getting older but I feel good. I am back to where I was before the hamstring injury that kept me out for so long.”
De Bruyne’s love affair with City shows few signs of cooling. He is enthused by the emergence of so much young talent in the dressing room and now even has his old mate Ilkay Gundogan – “It’s like he’s never been away” – back in the fold after a season at Barcelona.
“The talent that comes through here every year is exciting,” said De Bruyne. “Phil Foden, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb have that little extra level, special talent. If you want to play for City regularly, you have to be exceptional and they are exceptional at their age. I had to work my way up from Belgium but they are already at a top club. They are way ahead already of where I was at their age.
“I felt a bit of pressure when I first arrived. But I felt I grew a lot [as a player] between Chelsea and Wolfsburg. I trusted myself to do well. The first season was good for me. I don’t know how to explain it. You come here with hope to stay a long time but I never expected to be here for ten years.
“When we arrived here my wife, Michele, was pregnant. Now we have three kids all born here in Manchester and the eldest is eight-and-a-half and they are all at school.
“It’s my home and we've been really happy and created a lot of great memories, trophy wins and big games. I appreciate everything this club has done for me and my family. I’m proud.
“I first chose City because it felt more personal when I spoke to Txiki Begiristain [Director of Football], not business like other clubs. He explained the project to me and I felt with the guys coming in it was exciting.
“We were the second wave after the takeover. In the first wave there was Yaya [Toure], Vincent Kompany, Kun Aguero and I felt confident I could help take that on. You hope to win trophies but you never expect to win as much as I have.
“I don’t care if other teams fear me or not, I just want to play the best that I can play. I was out for a long time last season and when I came back I had that hunger and desire. The Newcastle game was the best way to come back. It was such a boost.
“During my injury I was able to mentally switch off and give the body a rest. I was able to do things that I had never been able to do while I have been a professional. Take time to rest and see parts of the world while getting fit. When I came back I was ready. The hamstring was a bad injury but I tried to take the positives from it.
“My life is good and I wouldn’t change anything. The path that I took helped prepare me for life. I learnt a lot along the way. You can't just say my life is perfect, it's not how it works for anyone. Experiences mould you.”
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km
Red Sparrow
Dir: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Egerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons
Three stars
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
The Limehouse Golem
Director: Juan Carlos Medina
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth
Three stars
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
No Shame
Lily Allen
(Parlophone)
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
How much of your income do you need to save?
The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.
In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)
Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.
HOW TO WATCH
Facebook: TheNationalNews
Twitter: @thenationalnews
Instagram: @thenationalnews.com
TikTok: @thenationalnews
