Cushy life? You must be joking says KDB

KEVIN DE BRUYNE has dismissed the growing criticism of footballers as “banter.”

Players are under intense scrutiny because social media has given every fan a voice – but De Bruyne claims he does not let it bother him.

The Manchester City star (right) ignores the accusation that footballers have cushy lives, insisting they work hard.

“I don’t really care about the criticism,” said the Belgium playmaker ahead of Sunday’s game against Arsenal.

“People don’t know the work we put in. If you are at home resting, you are resting because you need to play on Saturday.

“It’s just part of the job – you need to have the treatment, do the massages, training, go in the pool.

“So I think our job is 24/7.

“We are busy – I don’t care what people say. I read comments, I read what people write on the internet, but it makes me laugh.

“It doesn’t affect me personally – for me it is banter.” The former Chelsea star (in training, above) claims he does accept that he needs to behave responsibly and says he tries to be courteous to everyone he meets. “What I like the most is when people know I am a good guy, I am respectful of everybody,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who you are – be it the biggest star or the little guy – you should always have the same attitude towards everyone you meet.”