It was an emotional night time for Kevin De Bruyne because the Belgian star made his return to the Etihad Stadium, the place he performed from 2016 to 2025 earlier than transferring to Napoli as a free agent. Over time in England, De Bruyne made greater than 400 appearances and helped Pep Guardiola’s squad win 19 main trophies, together with the 2023 UEFA Champions League.
Sadly, the comeback of De Bruyne on the Etihad solely lasted 25 minutes as Antonio Conte determined to exchange him after Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo acquired a purple card within the twentieth minute of the primary half and determined so as to add Mathias Oliveira within the line of defense, whereas the entire stadium sang the identify of their former idol. It was an emotional second, regardless of being transient.
“In fact, it is good for him to return again. I am excited to see him after the sport and I am not stunned on his affect at Napoli. He performs at that stage, completely fast, the gamers at that stage need not adapt. He is distinctive,” Guaridiola stated forward of the match.
Earlier this yr, Man Metropolis’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarark revealed that the membership had commissioned a statue to be made in honor of De Bruyne that will be located outdoors the Etihad. The house followers welcomed De Bruyne on the pitch with a banner and the entire stadium sang his identify earlier than the kickoff in an emotional second for each participant and followers.
