De Bruyne reveals why he chose Napoli after leaving Manchester City | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed “I felt like I had to come” to Napoli, after completing a move to join the Neapolitan side on a free transfer from Manchester City this summer.

The experienced Belgian midfielder’s contract with the Premier League giants expired this summer and he joined Napoli after speculation linking him with a move to the MLS or Saudi Pro League.

Speaking in an interview with DAZN, via CalcioNapoli, De Bruyne also revealed he “decided on [his] future a couple of days before signing for Napoli” and described his new coach Antonio Conte as “very direct and someone who demands a lot from his players.”

‘Napoli the best opportunity for me’ – De Bruyne

In the interview, De Bruyne was asked about how he decided to sign for Napoli, to which he replied: “I decided on my future a couple of days before signing for Napoli. We talked a lot and, in the end, I couldn’t wait for all the paperwork to be finalised. Sometimes sorting out contracts can be difficult.

Kevin De Bruyne in pre-season training with Napoli.

“I felt like I had to come here,” the midfielder continued, “When I was young, I probably would never have expected to come and play in Italy because I was in England, I loved it and I was very happy. Then I found myself in a situation where I had so many options from different parts of the world. I spoke to my wife, my children and my family and felt that this was the best choice for me in every way. I made this decision based on my instinct: it is hard to explain.”

‘Conte very direct, we need to balance Serie A and Champions League’

De Bruyne was also asked about Napoli’s return to the Champions League. Conte’s side were not present in European competition last season and the lack of additional fixtures may have played a part in the club’s Scudetto victory. On the Champions League, De Bruyne said “Obviously it is ambitious but all the big clubs aim to advance both in Europe and in the league. I think it will be different for the team because last year they did not play in Europe, while this year we do.

“We need to find the balance to manage both commitments but the club is building a good squad. We have two players for each position and this will help us keep the intensity high throughout the season.”

NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 23: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, kisses the Serie A TIM Scudetto title trophy after his team’s victory in the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Leaving Manchester City, De Bruyne parted ways with legendary head coach Pep Guardiola. However, arriving at Napoli sees the Belgian working under the guidance of another iconic coach in Antonio Conte. When asked about the Italian, De Bruyne described him as “very direct” and “someone who demands a lot from his players.” The Belgian went on to reveal that “he coaches in a different way than I am used to, with a different philosophy. I think the coach is blending his tactics with the team.”

The former Wolfsburg and Chelsea player then said that “At my age, you understand that you can take it a little easier and don’t necessarily have to learn everything in a few days. I think I am fitting in well with my teammates and I’m very happy about that. There’s definitely no rush!”