De Bruyne won’t complain about Belgium captain decision as Napoli ‘can still grow’ | OneFootball

Napoli star Kevin De Bruyne feels the Partenopei can ‘still grow’ and accepts Rudi Garcia’s decision to hand the Belgium captain armband to Youri Tielemans: ‘It’s a long-term choice.’

De Bruyne spoke to the media after Belgium’s 6-0 away win at Liechtenstein on Thursday.

De Bruyne feels ‘in good shape’ at Napoli

NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The Belgian ace has joined Napoli on a free transfer this summer and scored on his debut against Sassuolo in August.

“I’m settling well in Naples after a tough summer of intense work,” he said as quoted by TMW.

“I gave everything and I feel in good shape. I still need to sort out a few things, such as moving home, but everything is going well. In southern Italy, everyone supports Napoli, and that’s fantastic. Napoli is a great team that can still grow significantly. I hope something good can come out of it.”

De Bruyne didn’t complain about Garcia’s decision to name Tielemans as the new Belgium captain.

De Bruyne accepts Belgium captain decision

GENK, BELGIUM – MARCH 23: Kevin De Bruyne #7 of Belgium looks on in the first half of the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A/B Play-offs second leg match between Belgium and Ukraine on March 23, 2025 in Genk, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

“Garcia spoke with me and Lukaku at the beginning of the week and explained it to us,” said De Bruyne.

“The coach made a decision that could last several years; it’s a long-term choice for consistency.”

Lukaku was not available for Belgium, having sustained a serious thigh injury in August, which will force him to the sidelines for at least three months.

De Bruyne scored a goal in Belgium’s 6-0 victory against Liechtenstein last night.

The experienced midfielder has signed a contract until 2027 with an option for a further year.

De Bruyne has netted 32 times in 112 matches with the Belgium national team.