Foden: ‘Napoli a nightmare to break down, De Bruyne forever a legend’ | OneFootball

Phil Foden hails ‘forever legend’ Kevin De Bruyne on his brief return to Manchester City, but admits 10-man Napoli were ‘a nightmare team to break down.’

The Belgian spent a decade at the Etihad and was given a warm welcome by the supporters with a ‘King Kev’ banner in the stands before kick-off.

However, his game lasted only 26 minutes, as he was sacrificed to balance the team when Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off for a mistimed tackle on Erling Haaland.

De Bruyne did get an opportunity to salute the home fans after the final whistle, with his teammates there to cheer him on too.

Foden hails De Bruyne despite brief Napoli cameo

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli leaves the pitch after being substituted whilst Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, speaks to Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

“He’s a legend of the club. I can’t thank him enough for what he has done. He’s forever going to be a legend here,” Foden told TNT Sports.

Even against 10 men, it took a moment of magic from Foden to break the deadlock with his dinked pass finding the Haaland looping header.

That was his 50th goal in just 49 Champions League appearances.

“They were a nightmare team to break down. I thought we were pretty clever and didn’t give away too many turnovers,” confessed Foden.

“The first half was a bit frustrating. I wasn’t getting too many touches between the lines. Erling is always going to make that run. It’s just about getting that connection. He seems to break every record going. It’s unheard of what he’s doing. What an unbelievable player.”