He told TalkRadio: “I understand this sense of frustration and restlessness which is driving the Black Lives Matter movement.
“I’ve got to say on this taking the knee thing, I don’t know, maybe it’s got a broader history but it seems to be taken from Game of Thrones, feels to me like a symbol of subjugation and subordination.”
The Foreign Secretary said it was not a gesture of “liberation and emancipation, but I understand people feel differently about it so it’s a matter of personal choice.”
When pressed on whether he would take the knee himself, he quipped: “I take the knee for two people, the Queen and the Mrs when I asked her to marry me.”
The gesture of taking the knee has been used as a poignant symbol of the anti-racism rallies, after football players in the US knelt down for the national anthem in protest against police brutality and racism in 2016.
Golden boot winner Jamie Vardy, Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope and Liverpool trio Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also nominated for the prize.
De Bruyne’s performances were more than deserving of the accolade, having scored 13 goals, as well as contributing 20 assists, equalling the record set by Thierry Henry.
The 29-year-old’s consistency throughout the campaign has been a sight to behold, being a constant creative outlet for his teammates as well offering a direct goal threat himself.
De Bruyne is justifiably getting the plaudits for what has been another stellar season for the Citizens, and while it may not have been the most successful campaign, he can certainly hold his head up high.
The Belgian international is also up for the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year award, along with Raheem Sterling. You can vote for your choice here.
