Kevin De Bruyne Explains Shock Move to Napoli: "I Needed a New Challenge"

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·19 de julio de 2025

Kevin De Bruyne Explains Shock Move to Napoli: "I Needed a New Challenge"

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Belgian star reveals why he left Man City for Serie A and what excites him most

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Kevin De Bruyne Explains Shock Move to Napoli: "I Needed a New Challenge"

Belgium international Kevin De Bruyne's finally opened up about his surprise transfer to Napoli calling it the "best option" after his contract with Man City expired this summer.

"Napoli's Project Convinced Me"

In comments published by Calciomercato, De Bruyne described Napoli as exciting new chapter, stating:

"Napoli's great place from competitive point of view. It’s very different from England but the atmosphere's incredible and the project really caught my eye"

He added:

"I wanted to stay at high level. The sporting director showed me their vision and it made perfect sense"

💙🇧🇪 Kevin De Bruyne: “I decided to join Napoli as here the project is ambitious, I can feel the club is progressing fast”. “My excitement was clear when Napoli presented me their project and vision. I feel here we can be competitive, that’s what I wanted”.
– sábado, 19 de julio de 2025

Champions League Ambitions

The 33 year old playmaker emphasized that his goal with Napoli's to compete for trophies both domestically and in Europe.

"We aim to succeed in Serie A & the Champions league. I’m adapting now but I believe I’ll be ready when the season kicks off"

"My Heart Will Always Be with City"

Despite joining the Serie A giants De Bruyne was quick to reaffirm his loyalty to Man City:

"My heart'll always be with City but I needed fresh challenge. Napoli offered chance to stay at the top level"

Conte, Maradona and Tactical Evolution

De Bruyne revealed he's just begun working under Antonio Conte whom he described as "tactical genius":

"I know him from his time at Chelsea & Spurs. He used back 5 then but now things are different. I’ll learn a lot from him"

When asked about training in Napoli’s iconic No10 shirt, he said:

"It surprised me. I know it was retired for Maradona. It was beautiful gesture but playing for team like Napoli comes with its own pressure"

Kevin De Bruyne takes Napoli's legendary No. 10 shirt 🔟 He has never donned the number in his entire senior career 😮
– martes, 15 de julio de 2025

Advice from Lukaku & Mertens

The Belgian revealed he spoke with Romelu Lukaku & Dries Mertens before making the move.

"Lukaku and I go way back. We’ve known each other since we were 13. He helped with some translation early on but the final decision was mine"

Learning Italian & Embracing Napoli Life

De Bruyne admitted he's still learning Italian but has already picked up a few words.

"My wife and I will start lessons soon. I believe learning the local language's important. Once I’m ready, I’ll do interviews in Italian just give me time"

Focused on Team Success

Despite his superstar status, De Bruyne made it clear he's not expecting Napoli to revolve around him:

“I’m here to help the team grow. I’ll give 100% but everyone needs to contribute. The Champions league's one of the best tournaments in the world I can't wait to play in it again”