Werder Bremen midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed that he will be returning to Chelsea at the end of the season, according to ESPN.

This is despite speculation that Bremen are interested in making the 21-year-olds stay in Germany a permanent one. Chelsea signed the Belgian international for a fee of around £7 million from Genk in January. However, the European Champions allowed the highly rated youngster to go out on a season long-loan to Werder Bremen in order for him to play some regular first-team football.

Werder Bremen have made a disappointing start to the Bundesliga campaign after losing two of their first three games. In amongst the poor beginning to the season, De Bruyn has been a bright spark for the German outfit and scored his first goal for the club in their 3-2 defeat to Hannover 96.

De Bruyn, who has predominantly made his reputation as a winger for Genk, has been utilised as a ‘false number nine’ by Bremen, much like Everton do with their Belgian ace Marouane Fellaini.

De Bruyn admits he is enjoying life in Bremen, “I am happy with my start, even if I am getting accustomed to the style of play.” The Belgian added, “I was with Chelsea for pre-season this summer. The level was higher there. That made it easy for me to adjust to the Bundesliga.”

The Belgian understands that he will be returning to England at the end of the season, as Chelsea foresee him as a prospect for the future, “I know I have to go back. Chelsea are positive about me. Sadly, there is no chance that Werder could extend the loan. If I don’t get any playing time at Chelsea, I have to stay in England. To loan me to another European club is not an option for Chelsea.”

Incidentally De Bruyn, who has won for caps for Belgian, was given the option of playing for England after his mother was born in London. However, he decided to play for the country of his birth.

Meanwhile, Werder Bremen, who currently lie 11^th in the Bundesliga, are adjusting to life without European football this season after a disappointing ninth-place in Germany’s elite league last season. Bremen, who are affectionately known as the River Islanders, entertain a struggling Stuttgart in a bid to get their domestic campaign up and running.