Manchester City prepares to face a familiar face in their upcoming Champions League match vs Napoli. Kevin De Bruyne, a celebrated figure in Man City history, is set to return to the Etihad Stadium. However, this time he will be donning the colors of Napoli. The midfielder’s return adds an emotional layer to the Champion League clash.
Kevin De Bruyne returns to Manchester City with Napoli
The last time Kevin De Bruyne graced the pitch at the Etihad was after Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. This was during their final home game of the 24/25 season. Following that match, De Bruyne bid farewell to the Manchester City faithful. It was a fitting tribute to arguably City’s greatest-ever player.
This summer, Kevin De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer. Almost immediately after De Bruyne signed for the Serie A champions, a Champions League match against Manchester City felt inevitable. That moment arrives on Thursday night. Pep Guardiola’s squad begins their Champions League campaign against Napoli.
The brutal side of football and Man City rebuild
Considering everything Kevin De Bruyne contributed to Manchester City, it feels unusual to see him line up against his former club. The ideal scenario would have been for De Bruyne to retire as a City player. That ending would have been a perfect conclusion to his time with the club. However, football doesn’t always follow the script.
Manchester City needed to continue their rebuild last summer. As a result, they allowed De Bruyne to leave the club. It was a necessary decision, showcasing the harsh realities of the sport. Seeing De Bruyne compete against the team he dedicated himself to simply feels out of place.
Kevin De Bruyne point to prove vs Pep Guardiola’s side
Kevin De Bruyne will also be motivated to prove a point on Thursday. The City legend will be eager to demonstrate that the City decision-makers made a mistake in letting him depart. De Bruyne believed he still had something to offer at the highest level. He has started the 25/26 season strongly for Napoli. So far, De Bruyne has scored two goals in three appearances for his new club. Therefore, he is in good form heading into the match against City at the Etihad.
Without a doubt, Kevin De Bruyne will receive a hero’s welcome from the City fans on Thursday night. While it may feel odd to see him playing against Manchester City, the reception he receives will be worthy of his legendary status. He has undoubtedly earned it. His return to the Etihad will be a special moment.
During the game, it wouldn’t be surprising to see De Bruyne score a screamer from long range. It also wouldn’t be a shock to see him unlock the Manchester City defense with a signature pass. If that happens, so be it. No one can deny De Bruyne that moment against the team he served so well. Seeing Kevin De Bruyne play against Manchester City won’t feel right. However, his return to the Etihad will be a special moment.
