The headlines, understandably, focussed on a frustrated remark from a player going through a range of emotions after a disappointing tournament exit.

Kevin De Bruyne had just hit back at a question about Belgium's so-called 'Golden Generation', cutting a mixed zone session with journalists short abruptly and then muttering the word 'stupid' under his breath as he walked away. As is the case in this day and age, no moment is private, and De Bruyne's one-word exasperated comment has generated all the talk in the 24 hours since Belgium crashed out of Euro 2024.

In fact, De Bruyne had earlier given a far more eloquent, measured answer to a question about Belgium's Golden Generation. He countered that the current squad was not, in fact, as 'golden' as the questions made out, pointing to their semi-final defeat at the 2018 World Cup as the moment that particular group missed their best opportunity.

He defended Belgium's tactics against France, and insisted teams can't always play like Manchester City - or any other elite, attacking side - if the players they have don't allow it. When probed on his own international future, he asked for time to consider his options, aware that post-match was not the time to make any big statements.

The reaction to the 'stupid' comment underlined that approach.

What De Bruyne did say, though, was that he was tired, that he needed a rest. He declared himself happy at his form in 2024 after returning from injury at the start of the season, and had previously suggested that he wanted to continue representing Belgium, potentially into the 2026 World Cup.

At the same time, he said, the opportunity to have ten days rest at four points of the coming season is one he must consider. He has a young family, his body is not getting any younger, and he is well aware that City embark on an 11-month season starting in early August.

If City play their maximum amount of games, and De Bruyne was selected for all possible Belgium fixtures, he could play up to 85 times between August 2024 and July 2025. It's a lot to ask for a 33-year-old, even one of De Bruyne's superhuman standards.

So when De Bruyne says his body is tired, City should listen. There could be a temptation to ask him to join their pre-season squad in the USA mid-tour following his early exit from the Euros. If he has the minimum three-week break recommended from this week, he could be available to Pep Guardiola on their second or third games of the four-match tour.

But maybe it would be better if he was given an extra week or so, trained in Manchester, and was available for the Community Shield in five-and-a-half weeks. A return flight across the Atlantic for a handful of minutes on tour might be more counter-productive than beneficial.

City took De Bruyne on tour last summer despite not being fully fit, and also to the CLub World Cup in December while he was recovering from injury, such is the importance to the group. But they don't need to know anything new about their talisman.

He says he is expecting contract talks this season, so at the very least he will want to show he is fit and worthy of a new contract. Even if his head is turned by the lure of the finances in Saudi Arabia, fitness is a key issue. So while the temptation might be to get De Bruyne out to the USA as soon as possible, the sensible option might be to simply give him as much time as possible to not play any football for a few weeks.