BRUSSELS, Belgium – Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne admitted it will be “strange” to face former club Manchester City as a Napoli player when the two sides meet in the Champions League later this month.
The 34-year-old, who left City at the end of last season after his contract expired, joined Serie A side Napoli and will return to the Etihad Stadium for their Group Stage opener on September 18.
“I’ve only played two matches in Serie A. It’s different under manager Antonio Conte than the years under Pep Guardiola,” De Bruyne told reporters ahead of Belgium’s World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan. “My first impression is that it’s more tactical in Italy and things move a bit slower. But it’s still football.”
De Bruyne, who spent nine trophy-laden years at City, acknowledged the emotional challenge of facing his former club. “We’re playing against City in Manchester with Napoli soon. That’s going to be strange. City is my club and that’s not going to change,” he said.
The Belgian playmaker’s move to Napoli marks a new chapter in his career after making 382 appearances for City, where he won numerous Premier League titles and Champions League trophies. His return to Manchester as an opponent will be one of the standout storylines of the Champions League’s opening matchday.
