Adnan Januzaj insists there are no hard feelings after being on the receiving end of Kevin De Bruyne’s reckless tackle
Former Manchester United starlet was left in a heap by his Belgium team-mate during a mini-match in training
ADNAN JANUZAJ insists he has no issue with Kevin De Bruyne despite his reckless tackle in training.
The former Manchester United winger was taken out by his Belgium team-mate during a mini-match in their first session in Russia on Thursday.
But even though he was left hobbling, Januzaj has played down the incident and says such conduct is healthy in the Red Devils’ World Cup preparation.
The Real Sociedad star, 23, said: "It was not bad - that's part of the intensity at training.
“It shows that right now we're competitive, also in training.
“I do not mind if something like that happens.”
Januzaj was a surprise selection in Belgium’s World Cup squad having not earned a competitive cap since 2014 - the same year he made his debut.
Before that, the forward was actually eligible to play for SEVEN different nations.
England, under Roy Hodgson, were one of those keen on Januzaj's international ‘signature’ shortly after he exploded onto the scene with United.
And asked if he was ever approached by the Three Lions, Januzaj replied: “I don’t know, that was the past.
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“But obviously I’m born in Belgium and I’m Belgian.
“I’m happy to be here with a lot of professional people working around me.”
Januzaj will almost certainly start on the bench for Belgium in their Group G opener against Panama on Monday.
And he added: "Even the big teams are having difficulties winning matches in this World Cup - often the difference is made in the last 20 minutes.
“Hopefully I can help the team in my contributions.
“I want to help the team as best as possible - we're here to win."