Kevin De Bruyne commits allegiance to Manchester City “for life” in fresh comments | OneFootball

Manchester City have seen Kevin De Bruyne issue the club with fresh commitment despite their parting of ways earlier this summer.

The 34-year-old departed the Etihad following the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign, bringing an end to a glittering 10-year association with Manchester City that included six Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League triumph, and a historic Treble.

De Bruyne’s move to Serie A was confirmed earlier this month by the reigning Italian champions, joining Napoli in a surprise twist to a summer that had been full of speculation surrounding Saudi Arabia and MLS interest.

Having spent months recovering from injury setbacks and returning to influence City’s top-four push, De Bruyne felt the time was right to embrace a new environment and fresh footballing culture. But even as he adjusts to life in southern Italy, his heart clearly remains in Manchester.

The Belgian international had been one of City’s most transformational players ever, evolving into arguably the finest midfielder of his generation. His legacy at the club is not only secured in silverware but also in how he redefined the creative heartbeat of the team during its most successful era.

For many, Kevin De Bruyne leaving Manchester City always felt like a formality at some point despite hopes of the player retiring with the club — but his latest comments show it has not changed how he sees the Etihad in his identity.

Speaking during his first media conference with his new team Napoli, De Bruyne reflected on his exit from City and English football as a whole, but was keen to commit his allegiance and support to the Etihad Stadium for the remainder of his life.

“I have been in the Premier League for so long and in the end I made the decision to go out of England. I have done what I have done and in the end I am a Man City player for life,” De Bruyne told reporters.

“It was also with the way that it ended for me, I thought, it is time to find a new challenge. When I had the whole project in front of me and then the fact that I could play in Italy and still play at a high level was exciting for me.”

The 34-year-old then spoke openly about the new challenge that awaits in Italy, “Napoli already are champions but they are still improving their squad… I am hoping that I can help the team grow and I will also learn from them, a new way of playing, a new competition.

“Romelu [Lukaku] was happy [about the move], I spoke with him in the national team [camp], he wanted me to join. I know Romelu since we were 13-years-old, so we are really tight together. When we played in Chelsea we lived together for two or three months.

“It makes it a little bit easier that I know him because he is somebody who can translate for me and it helps because he knows the coach, he knows the team.”

De Bruyne continued with a defiant message, “From a competitive standpoint, it’s the best place for me. Napoli demonstrated their quality last year. It will be totally different from England. I still feel competitive and want to prove I can still play at a high level.”

City have already moved to source somewhat of a direct replacement for Kevin De Bruyne in the summer market via the signing of France international Rayan Cherki, while they are also expected to place increased trust in the progression of Phil Foden and his creative outlook.

However, with De Bruyne gone, it marks the first major symbolic departure from Pep Guardiola’s core leadership group this summer, and a player that delivered the club’s most glorious years.

The words from De Bruyne may also hint at a potential reunion in future — whether in a coaching capacity, ambassadorial role, or otherwise. It is certainly not uncommon for iconic players to return in some form, and the Belgian’s deep emotional connection to Manchester and the club make such a scenario very realistic once his playing days are done.