At his first official press conference since his move to Italian Serie A club, SSC Napoli, Belgian midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, explained why he chose to move to Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
The midfield maestro joined the Kings of Italy from Premier League club, Manchester City, after fielding for the Cityzens for ten (10) years.
De Bruyne said, he chose Napoli because “I’ll be able to show my quality here”, and that, the “club is very competitive”.
Manager Antonio Conte led the Partenopei to triumph in the Serie A 2024/25 after concluding with a total of 82 points, just one (1) point atop Inter.
According to the Club’s official website, at his first press conference, Kevin De Bruyne said: ““I’m here because this club is very competitive and I’ll be able to show my quality here.
“I’m very excited about this new adventure. I still have the motivation and quality to be competitive at this level. I was impressed by Napoli’s plans and I’m very happy with my choice.
“I’ve come to a team with lots of quality that wants to do well in all competitions. We hope to be as high as possible in the league and do well in the Champions League and in the cup. It’s a new experience for me and I know it’s different to the Premier League. I’ll have to adapt to the team and to Serie A, which is a very competitive league with lots of good teams, but I’m confident and excited to play.
“I spent my career in England and I’ll be a Manchester City player for life, but it was time to find a new challenge. Playing in Italy means I can remain at a high level.
“I had lots of different offers – different lifestyle, different level of competitiveness – but Napoli’s was the best all-round project for me. They’re already champions and they’re improving the squad, with four or five signings. They’re building for the future. Naples is a beautiful city, the weather is good and there’s lots of passion here.
“I’m not the youngest anymore but I still have something to give. I can help the other guys and learn things myself, like a new style of play.
“I think I’m still able to perform at a good level. The day will come when I don’t feel I can do it but now I’m 34 and I feel I still can. I have to show it on the pitch.
“It’s an honour to play for the same team as [Diego] Maradona. I don’t think it adds more pressure. If you play for big teams, the pressure is always there because they want to win. Maradona is a legend but I’m my own player. I’ll do the best I can and hopefully bring pleasure to the city and the fans.”
On whether fellow countryman, Romelu Lukaku, impacted his signing for Napoli: KDB answered: “I spoke to Romelu and Dries [Mertens] to hear their opinion about the city, the club and how everything works but at the end of the day it was a decision I took with my wife and kids.
“I’ve known Romelu since he was 13 and we’re close friends. He’ll help me settle in as he can translate a bit for me and help me understand Italian football.”
On the similarities between Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte: KDB answered: “I know the boss because he coached Chelsea and Tottenham. He plays a different system to Guardiola but he’s been one of the best coaches in Italy and Europe in the last decade. It’s a great opportunity to be able to work with a coach of his calibre.
“I’m working intensely and I think I’ll be in top form in five or six weeks.”
Photo: X/Official SSC Napoli
