Kevin de Bruyne speaks

In the most lucrative transfer in German football history, Kevin de Bruyne has left Wolfsburg for the Premier League, and Manchester City. Reports suggest the Belgian will earn around 20 million euros per year in salary, but he is also happy that Wolfsburg have received a record amount of money.

"The best part is that Wolfsburg get so much money for me," de Bruyne told German media station Sport1. "Until recently I wanted to stay with VfL for another year, but Manchester City were persistant with their interest. If you get the opportunity and so much money is invested in you, you just have to gratefully accept the situation."

After the best season of his career, in which the 24-year old recorded a Bundesliga record of assists in a season (20), the past months have been a testing time for de Bruyne. He feels, though, that he has handled the situation in a mature way.

"It was perhaps the hardest time of my life," de Bruyne explained. "The last weeks have been very difficult for me, not at home, but in dealing with the media. Every day the same questions were asked. I think all parties stayed professional through stubborn negotiations and I still gave everything in each game and training session in Germany."

A swift goodbye to Wolfsburg

At the start of the year, de Bruyne's fellow countryman and teammate Junior Malanda was killed in a car crash. De Bruyne says that, despite an earlier than expected exit, he'll never forget his time at Wolfsburg and the friends he made in difficult times.

"It hurts to leave. I've made many good friends in Wolfsburg," De Bruyne said. "It is a great transfer for Wolfsburg and now someone of great quality can be acquired."

That player of great quality was acquired on the final day of the German transfer window, as Julian Draxler joined from top-of-the-table rivals Schalke. De Bruyne, though, is now looking ahead to the Premier League once again, with high expectations.

"I want to win as many titles as possible with City," De Bruyne explained. "While every footballer says this, it still happens to be the greatest thing, to win a title. Maybe I'll meet Wolfsburg in the Champions League this season, I would be very happy to see the guys again."