Manchester City are entering a new dawn that does not include Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian maestro brought an end to his spell at the Etihad Stadium after 10 years, joining Italian champions Napoli recently.
De Bruyne announced he’d be leaving City in early April, so fans have had plenty of time to wrap their heads around the situation.
Manchester City have now played their first games since Kevin De Bruyne moved to Napoli, beating both Wydad AC and Al Ain at the Club World Cup.
And so far, there has been zero sign of City missing him, although that was to be expected against that level of opposition.
De Bruyne’s exit decision was made by Pep Guardiola and the club, rather than the player himself.
De Bruyne felt he had more to give at City, but the decision was taken out of his hands in the end.
And that has seemingly now lit a fire beneath De Bruyne.
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Fans react to claim Kevin De Bruyne wants to prove Man City wrong
Some claims have been made today regarding De Bruyne’s exit from City.
The star might well have gone to the MLS or Saudi Arabia, where he would no doubt have earned a lot more money.
But De Bruyne’s decision to join Napoli has been borne out of a desire to prove City were wrong not to offer him an extension. De Bruyne also had talks with Liverpool, but in the end, Napoli were his choice.
He is now keen to show his former club that he still has a lot left in the tank – and City fans on social media fully back this stance following the way his exit happened.
@DeBruyneSZN: “Good on him, he deserved better anyways.”
@Glowree21: “Whatever he wants to do, he can do. That won’t change the fact that we appreciate all he did for us and it won’t still change anything. We love Kev and nothing will change that.”
@BobbsCityx: “Prove City wrong King.”
@Rodriinesta8: “Fairs. He is a winner, always has been. Good luck in Naples, King Kev.”
Kevin De Bruyne could face Man City in 2025/26
Some fans were also expressing their concern that City could come up against De Bruyne next season.
Of course, City and Napoli are both in the 2025/26 Champions League, so it’s not out of the question that the Belgian could face the club he just left.
| Kevin De Bruyne for Man City (2015-2025) |
| Appearances – 422 |
| Goals – 108 |
| Assists – 177 |
| Trophies – 19 |
And if that does happen, he will surely be extremely determined to inspire Napoli to victory.
Perhaps City were right not to extend De Bruyne’s contract.
But De Bruyne is a winner, and he’s also very proud. He will have been a bit hurt by the way his exit came about, and would probably love to send a message with his performance if City and Napoli do meet.
