Jose Mourinho persuaded me not to join Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, says Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne 

  • Kevin De Bruyne had unsuccessful spell at Premier League giants Chelsea
  • The Belgium international had a chance to join Borussia Dortmund in 2013 
  • De Bruyne revealed move was blocked by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho
  • The Manchester City star is preparing to face Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed his move from Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund fell through after his former manager Jose Mourinho persuaded him to remain at Stamford Bridge.

De Bruyne spent two years with the Blues but struggled to hold down a regular spot in the first team and had an opportunity to return to the Bundesliga with Dortmund in the summer of 2013.

The Manchester City star, who is preparing to face Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side in Saturday's late kick-off, had his heart set on the move after talking with the German coach - who was managing Dortmund at the time.

Manchester City's record signing Kevin De Bruyne is preparing to face Liverpool in Saturday's late kick-off

Manchester City's record signing Kevin De Bruyne is preparing to face Liverpool in Saturday's late kick-off

Belgium international has enjoyed a blistering start to his City career since signing for £54million in summer

Belgium international has enjoyed a blistering start to his City career since signing for £54million in summer

But De Bruyne, who sealed his return to the Premier League in a £54million move in the summer, claims the move was blocked after Mourinho had promised him first-team football in west London. 

'I had a personal agreement [with Klopp],' he told The Telegraph. 'I asked the club [Chelsea] to go because I had a good feeling about Dortmund at the time. 

'I had been good in Germany and he [Klopp] really wanted me because [Mario] Gotze went to Bayern Munich. He called me, and said "You will be the No 1" … at a team who had been second in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League final.

'At the time I thought it was a good decision to go but the manager [Jose Mourinho] told me "You need to stay and you will get your chance here". 

The ex-Chelsea midfielder had a move to Borussia Dortmund blocked in 2013 by Jose Mourinho (right)

The ex-Chelsea midfielder had a move to Borussia Dortmund blocked in 2013 by Jose Mourinho (right)

De Bruyne had an opportunity to join Jurgen Klopp (centre), who is now managing Liverpool, at Dortmund 

De Bruyne had an opportunity to join Jurgen Klopp (centre), who is now managing Liverpool, at Dortmund 

'I accepted it and we moved on. I think he [Klopp] is a good trainer. I saw the way Dortmund played and they [Liverpool] play the same style. He tries to do the same. He is new here, and it will take some time. In the seven years he was there he did a magnificent job.' 

The 24-year-old, who has enjoyed a blistering start to his career at City, admitted his style of play would have suited Klopp's tactics.

However, the move failed to materialise and De Bruyne, who made just three top-flight appearances at Chelsea, remained at the Premier League giants.

The 24-year-old failed to impress at Chelsea and admitted his style of play would have suited Klopp's tactics

The 24-year-old failed to impress at Chelsea and admitted his style of play would have suited Klopp's tactics

The pair embrace  after De Bruyne and Wolfsburg his team-mates beat Dortmund in the German Cup final

The pair embrace after De Bruyne and Wolfsburg his team-mates beat Dortmund in the German Cup final

De Bruyne talks to City team-mate Gael Clichy (second left) ahead of the Premier League clash with Liverpool

De Bruyne talks to City team-mate Gael Clichy (second left) ahead of the Premier League clash with Liverpool

'I think it is the way I am as a player, especially at that time,' the former Wolfsburg midfielder added.

'It was really important for me. I fancied it but there was no problem to stay. [Then] also in that summer they [Chelsea] bought two more players in my position [Willian and Andre Schurrle] so you know it was going to be difficult. 

'Even after pre-season I thought maybe this [move to Dortmund] can happen but it didn't work out that way.'

Hollywood star Jean-Claude Van Damme shakes hand with another Belgian on City's books, De Bruyne

Hollywood star Jean-Claude Van Damme shakes hand with another Belgian on City's books, De Bruyne

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now