Kevin De Bruyne spoke to the Belgian press for the first time since his move to Napoli. The playmaker, who ultimately will not wear Maradona’s iconic number, talked during the training camp in Trentino about his first days in Naples and his forced departure from Manchester City.
"I don’t need to seek revenge," Kevin De Bruyne said in his first extended interview since his surprising transfer from Manchester City to Napoli.
Speaking to Belgian channel VTM during the team’s pre-season training camp in Trentino, the Belgian star was candid about his motivations, the influence of his family, and his first impressions of life in Italy both on and off the pitch.
"This move was never about proving anyone wrong or trying to make a statement against City or the Premier League. I left on good terms with the club, my teammates, and the fans," De Bruyne clarified. "I chose the project that felt right for me at this stage of my career. I’m thirty-three now, I’ve won everything I could in England. Serie A is a league I’ve always admired from afar, with its strong tactical approach and passionate fans. Napoli’s participation in the Champions League was a huge factor too. I still have the ambition to compete at the highest level and play those big European nights. Yes, I could have stayed in England, or taken a different path, but deep down I believe this is the right step for me."
De Bruyne also emphasized that this was not a solo decision. "When you’re single or younger, you make decisions purely for yourself. But now, with my wife Michèle and our four children, the dynamic changes. They’re not just passengers in this journey their lives are impacted too. My kids are growing fast; they’re forming their own opinions, they have friends, routines, preferences. So we sat down as a family, discussed the possibilities, what life in Naples could look like. They were excited by the idea of learning a new language, making new friends, exploring a new culture. These experiences are enriching, not just for me as a player but for us as a family unit."
He continued, "We’ve already started renovating a house in Naples, close to the school our kids will attend. That was important to us we didn’t want to disrupt their education or their sense of stability. The club has been fantastic in helping with the relocation process, from schooling to housing, making the transition smoother for everyone."
To better understand the city, the club, and what awaited him, De Bruyne reached out to two familiar faces. "I called Dries Mertens, who obviously became a club icon at Napoli, and Romelu Lukaku, who’s already here. I asked them about the club, the city, the lifestyle, and the day-to-day realities of living in southern Italy. Both of them were incredibly positive. They told me about the warmth of the people, the beauty of the city, the food they insisted I had to try the pizza in Naples because it’s simply the best in the world. They also warned me that life here is more chaotic than in England, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a different pace of life, a different mindset, and honestly, after so many years in Manchester, I’m looking forward to that change of scenery."
Adapting to New Challenges On and Off the Pitch
On the sporting side, De Bruyne admitted that he’s already noticed stark differences compared to his years under Pep Guardiola. "Training is intense here, no doubt. The physical preparation is demanding there’s a lot more running without the ball. It’s a style I’m not entirely used to, because at City we always trained with a strong focus on possession, positioning, and tactical drills with the ball at our feet. Here, there’s more emphasis on fitness and endurance, probably reflecting the tactical needs of Serie A, where games can be more physical and compact."
De Bruyne is also set to wear the legendary number 10 shirt at Napoli, famously worn by Diego Maradona, who is still worshipped like a deity in the city. "Initially, I wasn’t sure if I should take the number 10 out of respect, mostly. But the club and the fans were clear that it would be an honor for me to wear it. It’s a huge responsibility, I don’t take it lightly. Maradona is a myth here; you see his face everywhere, you hear his name mentioned daily. But I’ll do my best to create my own legacy in this shirt, knowing full well that nobody can ever replicate what he did."
Regarding his role on the pitch, De Bruyne mentioned that the manager has already outlined plans to place him at the heart of Napoli's midfield creativity. "The coach wants me to be the playmaker, to connect the midfield with the attack, dictate the tempo, and provide the vision and passes to unlock defenses. It’s a role I’m comfortable with, but I’m also prepared to adapt. Every league is different, every team has its dynamics, and I’m ready to evolve my game if needed."
Napoli, who are aiming to reclaim the Serie A title after a rollercoaster 2023-24 season, see De Bruyne not just as a marquee signing but as a leader in the dressing room. "I know part of my job here is to bring experience, to help the younger players grow, to share what I’ve learned from playing at the highest level for years. I enjoy that responsibility. Football is not just about individual brilliance it’s about building a team, a collective mentality."
Family Life, Culture, and the Neapolitan Passion
Off the field, De Bruyne is eager to embrace the local culture. "Naples is unique the energy, the passion for football, the history, the chaos, the beauty. My family and I are already exploring the city when we can. The kids love the sea, and Michèle is excited about the food and the markets. We’ve even started learning a few words of Italian. For me, immersing ourselves in the culture is part of the experience. It’s not just a job it’s a life adventure."
Reflecting on his journey from Manchester to Naples, De Bruyne concluded: "Every chapter in my career has taught me something new. This is another chapter a new country, a new league, new challenges. I feel motivated, refreshed, and eager to show that I still have a lot to give on the pitch. Most importantly, I feel happy with the decision we made as a family. That’s what matters most."
