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Kevin De Bruyne has become the latest high-profile footballer to condemn European Super League proposals with Manchester City on the brink of abandoning the controversial project.
Along with with Chelsea, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, City are reportedly ready to withdraw as founding members of the Super League following global backlash over the plans.
It comes hours after Pep Guardiola condemned the breakaway league, saying that it is 'not sport' because it 'doesn't matter if you win or lose'.
© Provided by Daily MailManchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has spoken out on the European Super League
Now, City star De Bruyne has followed his manager's lead, claiming the most important thing in football is 'competing' and that everyone should come together to resolve this issue before it's too late.
'This man comes man comes out a little town out of Belgium dreaming of playing at the highest stage possible. I represented the Belgium, German and English league. And also proudly represented my country,' De Bruyne wrote on his Twitter page.
He continued: 'I have worked and competed against everybody trying to win the ultimate. But the most important word in this is COMPETING.
'With all events that have been happening the last few days maybe this is the good moment for everybody to come together and try and work for a solution.
'We know this is a big business and I know I am a part of this business. But still I am a little boy who just loves to play football. It's not about a certain entity in this case, it's about the football over the whole world. Let's keep inspiring the next generation of footballers and keep the fans dreaming.'
© Provided by Daily MailDe Bruyne took to Twitter on Tuesday evening asking the football world to unite for a solution
The news of several clubs withdrawing was reported on Tuesday evening with Chelsea also ready to pull out of the £4.6billion scheme.
Over in Spain, reports have emerged that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also pulling out.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is understood to have driven the decision, having listened to fan protests and opted to withdraw from the new European league plans.
Abramovich's motivations are thought never to have been about money, and the Blues are now understood to be preparing documents to withdraw formally from the competition.
Stamford Bridge chiefs were only thought to have signed up as a founder member of the Super League in order not to be left behind by the rogue breakaway.
But after resounding condemnation from across the political and sporting spectrum, Chelsea, and Man City, appear to have now decided to pull out of the competition - less than 48 hours after it was announced.
© Provided by Daily MailPep Guardiola said the Super League 'is not sport' because it 'doesn't matter if you win or lose'
Sportsmail understands that Chelsea had set the wheels in motion to withdraw earlier today, and that their decision to leave was not a response to the mass protests outside the ground.
The news comes after Sportsmail's Oliver Holt first reported on Monday night that two unnamed Premier League clubs were beginning to get cold feet over the plans to form a breakaway league, such was the extent of the backlash from fans and pundits.
Guardiola appeared to receive backing from City over his stance on the Super League on Tuesday, insisting that it 'is not sport' in response to the protection afforded to the 12 clubs plus three newcomers from relegation.
'It is not a sport where the relation between effort and success does not exist,' he said. 'It is not a sport where success is already guaranteed or it doesn't matter where you lose.
© Provided by Daily MailManchester City fans protested their club's involvement in the 12-team breakaway competition
© Provided by Daily MailNow, amid huge backlash all over the world, Chelsea and City are reportedly backing out
'It is not fair when one team fight, fight, fight at the top and cannot be qualified because it is just for a few teams.
'The right people have the obligation, the duty, to clarify as soon as possible, clarify all around the world why these teams play and the others not. Ajax - with four Champions Leagues - why they are not there?
'Everyone makes (decisions for their) own interest. The Premier League looks at his interest, UEFA looks at his. To arrive in that point, Uefa have failed. They have to communicate and be in touch before.'
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