Kevin De Bruyne Returns to Face Manchester City in Champions League
Manchester City is set to face a familiar rival as they kick off their Champions League campaign on Thursday, with Kevin De Bruyne returning to potentially haunt his former club.
De Bruyne, who secured 16 trophies during his decade-long tenure at City, is being honored with plans for a statue outside the Etihad Stadium. The Belgian midfielder departed City when his contract expired in June, expressing that his exit was not by choice, and is now determined to lead Napoli against his old team.
The 34-year-old's arrival in Naples has drawn comparisons to Argentina legend Diego Maradona, whose legacy is still cherished by Napoli supporters. "Since Maradona, Napoli have not signed a player as renowned as De Bruyne," said Naples-based journalist Vincenzo Credendino to BBC Sport. "Maradona arrived at the peak of his career, while De Bruyne joins us at 34 years old. It’s evident that De Bruyne is the current equivalent for club president Aurelio de Laurentiis, just as Maradona was for Corrado Ferlaino in the 1980s. I believe he wants to leave a lasting impression and achieve success here, aiming to win Serie A and make an impact in the Champions League as well."
Napoli captain Giovanni di Lorenzo praised De Bruyne’s arrival, noting his "great humility" and referring to him as a "great champion." Di Lorenzo added, "He didn’t discuss his former teammates much, but I’m sure he will be pleased to return to the stadium where he enjoyed many memorable matches. He will be welcomed warmly, and he deserves it."
Former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, who guided Napoli to their Scudetto triumph last season, has seen his team start this campaign strongly, currently sitting atop the table with a perfect record after three matches. Napoli’s previous title victories in 1987 and 1990 were spearheaded by Maradona, and they ended a 33-year wait for the top-flight trophy in 2023, although they struggled the following year, finishing in 10th place.
Conte implemented a familiar system upon his arrival, focusing on a solid defensive structure with three at the back and a powerful attacking presence led by Romelu Lukaku. Last season, Napoli edged out Inter Milan for the title by just one point, conceding only 27 goals across 38 matches, with Lukaku leading the scoring charts with 14 goals. After a rigorous training camp in the mountains of Trentino, Conte is now evolving the team into a more possession-oriented style, a shift accelerated by Lukaku's injury and the loan signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United.
Credendino emphasized, "De Bruyne is a crucial element of Conte’s new strategy. He brings a level of skill that Napoli has lacked in recent years. While young talents like Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have shown promise, De Bruyne’s experience and technical ability set him apart. He can deliver precise long passes that few others can, making him an invaluable asset for Conte."
Reports indicated that De Bruyne felt disappointment when City did not offer him a contract extension. Following an emotional farewell that brought manager Pep Guardiola to tears, he is expected to receive a hero's welcome upon his return, describing the club as his "home." De Bruyne has already made a mark in Naples, scoring two goals in his first three matches, and the City defenders are well aware of his capabilities.
Guardiola expressed that it will be "nice to have him back," noting that players of De Bruyne’s caliber typically adapt quickly. Conte mentioned, "I have spoken with Kevin and inquired about a few things. He has been part of this club for ten years and has worked under an exceptional coach like Pep Guardiola. He will be excited to play, but I hope that after the first whistle, he finds his rhythm and remembers he is playing for Napoli, contributing as he has been doing."
In a twist of fate, Danish striker Hojlund was released by Manchester United and may find satisfaction in leaving after witnessing his former club's defeat to City in a recent 3-0 Premier League match. Hojlund, 22, began his Napoli career on a high note by scoring on his debut in a 3-1 victory against Fiorentina. Similarly, midfielder Scott McTominay left United amidst chaos last summer, quickly becoming a fan favorite in Naples by scoring 12 goals to help secure the title. His impact has been so profound that he has a mural akin to Maradona's in the city and has been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, a feat that seemed unimaginable during his time at United.
Conte remarked on McTominay's "great potential" and was astonished to have the opportunity to sign him last summer. Credendino noted, "Conte’s system is evolving beyond traditional definitions of formation, allowing both De Bruyne and McTominay to play simultaneously in a fluid setup. McTominay may start on the left but often drifts into central positions, while Hojlund’s speed toward goal complements De Bruyne’s exceptional passing ability." Regardless of Thursday's outcome, De Bruyne’s legendary status at City is secure, and he now aims to achieve similar acclaim at Napoli.