De Bruyne on Napoli: I followed my heart despite many offers | OneFootball

In a lengthy interview given to DAZN, Kevin De Bruyne has for the first time revealed the backstory of his decision to sign with Napoli, touching on personal, professional, and technical project-related topics.

Napoli, De Bruyne tells his story: "Napoli? I chose with my heart. Many offers, but I followed my feelings"

His words reveal the serenity and conviction with which he decided to undertake this new challenge, after years as an absolute protagonist in the Premier League.

"I chose Napoli a few days before signing. It was the right time" "I made the decision a couple of days before signing. We talked a lot and in the end, I couldn't wait for all the paperwork to be sorted out. Sorting out contracts can be complicated, but I was calm. The lawyers did their part, I just waited. In the end, it went well."

Clear words, those of De Bruyne, which tell of a complex negotiation but managed with serenity. The former Manchester City player explained that the decision to move to Napoli was not sudden, but the result of a reflection matured in the last few days, after evaluating numerous options.

"I felt ready. Many projects on the table, but Napoli was the right choice" "Probably as a young man I would never have expected to come to Italy. I have always loved playing in the Premier League, and today I could go to many places in the world. But I spoke with my family and I understood that this was the right choice from all points of view."

"Many teams had beautiful projects, but I followed my feelings. It's hard to explain. Napoli was the best opportunity for me."

A statement that reveals the strongly emotional and personal nature of his choice. Not just a technical or economic discourse, but an instinctive connection with the city, the project, and the environment. A clear signal also to the fans: De Bruyne came to Napoli for authentic reasons.

First steps in blue: "I'm learning, Conte is very demanding" "I've been here for a short time, I'm working hard to get to know the team and understand its structure. The training sessions are very intense, but I feel good. Conte is direct, he demands a lot. He trains in a different way than what I was used to."

"I'm adapting to his schemes. At this age it takes more time to assimilate everything, but I'm not in a hurry."

The Belgian has immediately shown great professionalism and adaptability, aware that a change of philosophy requires time and commitment. Despite his long international experience, he makes himself available to the group, ready to immerse himself in Antonio Conte's project.

Goals: "I still want to prove my worth. The Champions? We can have our say" "As a professional I have always had big dreams. This is a new challenge and I want to keep pushing. If I didn't have this stimulus, I wouldn't be here."

"In the Champions it will be different from the past: last year Napoli was not in Europe, but now the club has built a deep squad. We have two players per role, this will help us maintain the intensity."

De Bruyne does not hide. His arrival raises Napoli's ambitions, not only in Serie A but also in Europe. With the return to the Champions League, the Neapolitan club aims to play a leading role, and having a champion used to winning can make a difference.

The bond with the fans: "Beautiful to feel the affection. Now I want to repay all this" "The affection of the fans is beautiful. They are excited to see me play. Now it's up to me: work hard, get into the team's mechanisms and bring results."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.