Former Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne has completed his move to Serie A champions Napoli.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Kevin De Bruyne has signed for Napoli(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside via Getty Images)
Napoli have confirmed the signing of Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian midfielder left Manchester City at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old has signed with the Serie A champions after his Etihad exit. Napoli confirmed the move on their social media channels with a computer-generated image of De Bruyne sitting on a throne, wearing a crown, with the caption ‘King Kev’.
De Bruyne was a free agent after his decade-long stay at City came to an end. Although he felt he still had a role to play at the club, City decided the time was right to move on, with De Bruyne granted a fitting farewell on his final appearance for the Etihad.
He rejected interest from the MLS to continue his career in Europe and joined Antonio Conte’s side ahead of their return to the Champions League, which was secured with last month’s Serie A triumph.
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Speaking in April after confirming his departure from the club, De Bruyne admitted to being shocked at the decision.
“A little bit, yeah, a little bit,” he said. “I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing but I understand clubs have to make decisions.”
The midfielder also suggested the decision might have been accelerated as a result of City’s struggles last season.. “Maybe if the team didn’t struggle and I came back like I did this year [after injury] and bedded in like normal then maybe they would take another decision,” he said.
“I still have a lot to give. Obviously I know I’m not 25 any more but I still feel like I can do my job.”
That desire to prove he can still perform at the highest level was behind his decision to remain in Europe and join a club in the Champions League.
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