Mertens makes De Bruyne joke as he is honoured by Napoli | OneFootball

Former Napoli star Dries Mertens was named an honorary citizen of Naples today and hinted his love for the city helped convince Kevin De Bruyne to follow suit.

A true legend for the Partenopei, he wore the jersey from 2013 to 2022, before leaving as a free agent for a new experience at Galatasaray when he was not offered a new contract.

He named his son Ciro, after his own very Neapolitan nickname, and today they were all back to see him be given the keys to the city.

Napoli is home for Mertens

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 28: Dries Mertens of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring their side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 28, 2021 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“We arrived 12 years ago to a club where I loved playing and a city where I became one of you. This is why I am here,” Mertens told reporters outside the ceremony.

“This is why we kept the house, because when we come ‘home’ that is here. I’ve been here a few days already, been enjoying the weather, the food, going out on the boat.

“What this city gave me was my personality, a son, it is home.”

Mertens was greeted by Tommy Starace, the legendary Napoli kit man and espresso maker who has been at the club since before Diego Armando Maradona’s day.

The striker celebrated his 38th birthday last month and has reached the end of his contract with Galatasaray, so when it comes to the future, it probably won’t be playing for Napoli again.

“We’ll see what happens next, I haven’t made a decision yet.”

The Belgium international and current Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku love Naples so much that they helped convince De Bruyne to join them after his Manchester City contract was allowed to run down.

“When people tell me they are going on vacation to Ibiza or whatever, I tell them no, go to Ischia, go to Capri.”

Did you say that to De Bruyne?

“Well… I cannot answer that,” laughed Mertens.

Another former Napoli player is his current teammate at Galatasaray, namely Victor Osimhen, although his departure was rather more bitter.

“They had some problems that I did not talk to him about, but I am glad he was with us at Galatasaray, because he helped us win the title and is a great player.

“Now I hope they can resolve the situation and find an agreement to go their separate ways,” concluded Mertens.