He's obviously just playing the game with his contract and who can blame him, he's not a guaranteed starter:
The Netherlands international has 12 months remaining on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium and reports have claimed that talks over an extension have broken down.
However, the 27-year-old is not concerned by the situation and is enjoying being part of the Premier League champions' squad.
"My contract runs for another year, so I'm in a pretty good position," De Jong told NU Sport.
"I want to stay. I've been at the club more than three years and I'm feeling really well.
"I have won the FA Cup and the league title, which are the biggest trophies in England."
De Jong started only 11 games in the league last season en route to City's title success, but he understands the need for Roberto Mancini to rotate his players.
He added: "I saw the club change from complete mayhem at the training facilities into a real top club.
"It's part of the job I occasionally warm the bench. We have a squad rotation system.
"I prefer to play but it's all about the team and we won the title, so it was worth it."