Kevin de Bruyne expressed his desire to join Serie A champions Napoli after not receiving a contract extension from Manchester City. He noted that his connection with fellow Belgian Romelu Lukaku contributed to his decision.
Recognized as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders, de Bruyne made a free transfer to Napoli last month, concluding a remarkable ten-year tenure at City.
“I spent a long time in the Premier League, but ultimately I felt it was time to leave the UK,” de Bruyne shared with reporters on Saturday.
“I’ve accomplished a lot and remain a lifelong City player; this transition also signifies a new chapter for me. I was eager for new challenges.”
“When I reviewed the project and realized I could play at a high level in Italy, it truly excited me.”
At 34 years old, de Bruyne acknowledged the need to adapt to the Italian league, but he feels his learning curve will be smoother than that of his Belgian teammate, Lukaku, who is adjusting to his new team under coach Antonio Conte.
“Napoli is the reigning champion but is still looking to enhance its squad. I hope to contribute to this growth while learning new strategies and facing fresh challenges,” de Bruyne stated.
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“Romelu was excited about my transfer; I spoke with him during national team camp, and he encouraged my involvement. We’ve known each other since we were 13, and during our time at Chelsea, we lived together for a few months.”
“It’s helpful to have him around as he can translate for me and understands the coaches well.”
Napoli will kick off its 2025-26 Serie A season with an away match against Sassuolo on August 13th.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it showcases the growing competitiveness and appeal of Serie A, drawing top talent from the Premier League. De Bruyne’s move might signal a shift in player dynamics, emphasizing that elite players are open to new challenges in different leagues, ultimately enriching the global football landscape.
