Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has claimed he dropped Kevin De Bruyne for their Champions League playoff in midweek.
De Bruyne was left on the bench as City lost 3-1 at the Bernabeu on Wednesday and were eliminated on a 6-3 aggregate.
It is the third time in four years that the Premier League champions have been dumped out by Los Blancos.
De Bruyne, who has been City’s most creative player for seasons, remained on the bench for the entire 90 minutes.
Guardiola’s decision has led to speculations about the 34-year-old’s future at the Etihad.
“Kevin De Bruyne didn’t start against Real Madrid as I made a technical decision. He was not injured,” Guardiola said.
“Decisions. My decision. Yeah, of course he can still play in big games… he played against Madrid at home, of course he can play.
“The relationship with Kevin De Bruyne is exceptional. I can’t be thankful enough for what he’s done for me, the team, everyone. It’s just a decision.
“Normally I don’t speak with players, not just Kevin, on why they don’t play. They don’t ask me why when I decide to let them play from the beginning or during. It’s just a decision from what I’ve seen, for many reasons, a few. Never ever is it personal, never ever I’m upset.”