Kevin De Bruyne reflects on Napoli move, Serie A challenge, and future plans
Kevin De Bruyne has opened up about his decision to join Napoli, the state of Italian football, and his ambitions for the final phase of his career in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Belgian midfielder completed a permanent transfer from Manchester City to the Serie A side last summer, marking a significant shift after a decade in the Premier League.
De Bruyne explained that the move was driven by Napoli presenting the best project for both his professional and family life. While he consulted with former teammates and compatriots Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens, who have Serie A experience, he emphasized the final decision was his alone. "I discussed it with my family and close people," De Bruyne said. "I spoke with them to understand how things work, but in the end you have to make decisions alone and I decided that Napoli, for me, was the best choice."
The 34-year-old acknowledged the adaptation required after such a long period in England, citing differences in mentality, climate, and lifestyle. However, he stated his family has now settled and is happy in Italy. His focus is firmly on helping Napoli achieve a top-four finish to secure Champions League qualification for next season, with a crucial match against AC Milan, featuring Luka Modric, on the horizon.
When asked about the absence of Italy from recent World Cups and a potential crisis in Italian football, De Bruyne offered a measured response. "Perhaps. If you don't make the World Cup for three editions in a row maybe you are," he stated. "But I don't know the details, I don't know the structure and philosophy, from the youth level to the highest level. So I wouldn't know..."
On the pitch, De Bruyne praised his upcoming opponent, Modric, calling him "one of the best midfielders ever" for the last 20 years. He also commented on the demanding methods of Napoli manager Antonio Conte, answering with a simple "Yes!" when asked if the training regimen was truly that hard. Regarding his own role, De Bruyne dismissed any concern about not having scored from open play yet, stressing his priority is creating chances and providing assists for teammates like Rasmus Hojlund, whom he tipped to become a top player.
Looking ahead, De Bruyne was noncommittal about whether Napoli would be his final club. "I don't think about that now," he said. "I have a contract and I am really well at Napoli. I think I can still play for a few years, then when my body tells me to stop, I will." He expressed a desire to enjoy time with his family after retirement, acknowledging their sacrifices during his career.
The interview concluded with De Bruyne reflecting on his enduring love for the game, admitting that after 30 years, the passion naturally evolves. His immediate aim is to maintain his high performance level and help Napoli finish the season strongly, starting with the pivotal clash against Milan.
