Conte's 'genius' De Bruyne ready for early return to Manchester City

Napoli's Kevin De Bruyne, with Scott McTominay left, celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match with Fiorentina at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

New club, new country, new culture, new position. Kevin De Bruyne seems to have adapted to it all at Napoli, but the 34-year-old midfielder is heading back to his old life this week.

Napoli’s Champions League opener on Thursday sees De Bruyne return to Manchester City, just a few months after his tearful goodbye following 10 trophy-laden years at the club where “King Kev” became a firm fan favorite and one of its greatest ever players.