Kevin De Bruyne made a poignant return to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday as Napoli faced Manchester City in the Champions League, marking his first appearance back since his summer transfer from the Premier League giants. The Belgian midfielder, who had spent a decade at City and amassed 19 major trophies including six Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, was unexpectedly substituted in the first half. Napoli’s manager, Antonio Conte, explained that the decision was forced by circumstances after Napoli was reduced to ten men following a red card to Giovanni di Lorenzo. Conte expressed sympathy for De Bruyne’s early exit, stating it was the only viable option under the challenging conditions.
De Bruyne’s departure from Manchester City marked the end of an illustrious chapter that saw him become one of the club’s most decorated and influential players. Having announced his intention to leave City at the end of the 2024-2025 season, he concluded his tenure with an impressive record of 108 goals and 177 assists in 422 appearances. His creative brilliance placed him second on the all-time Premier League assists list, underscoring his reputation as one of the league’s finest midfielders. Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, had praised De Bruyne as a "special" player and one of the Premier League's greatest, reflecting the mutual respect and admiration developed over their long partnership.
After leaving City, De Bruyne quickly integrated into Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, where he has made a strong start by scoring twice in three matches. His move to Italy marks a fresh chapter in his career, with Napoli welcoming a player of his calibre as a free agent. Guardiola, while emotional about De Bruyne’s departure, expressed optimism about facing him as an opponent, highlighting the professional and personal connections that transcend club allegiances.
Despite his significant achievements at City and the sadness felt among his teammates at his exit, De Bruyne’s decision appeared partly influenced by the contract situation. As he scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Wolves shortly before departing, he hinted that he expected a contract offer to remain, a sentiment shared by some of his peers. This nuance adds an extra layer to the story, indicating the complex dynamics at play behind the scenes in top-level football.
De Bruyne’s return to the Etihad in Napoli colours was thus a bittersweet event for all involved—celebrated for his past contributions yet marked by the realities and tactical necessities of competitive football. His journey symbolizes both the end of a dominant era at City and the continuing evolution of an exceptional footballer’s career.
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Source: Noah Wire Services