We were all shocked when, at the end of the season, it was announced that Kevin De Bruyne would not be renewing his contract with Manchester City. After 10 years with the Sky Blues, winning absolutely everything and becoming a club legend worthy of statues and murals all over Manchester, the Cityzens decided to bring his chapter at the club where he shined so brightly to a close.

He wanted to stay… but they didn’t want him

De Bruyne was very open about it: his intention was always to stay at City. He said so publicly, making clear the love he has for the club and its fans. But what seemed like an unbreakable marriage came to an end: City chose not to offer him a renewal, a decision the Belgian accepted as part of the football business.

Still, Kevin didn’t hesitate to say he feels ready to keep competing at the highest level in Europe.

Napoli won the race

There was no shortage of offers. From MLS, Serie A, Turkey, and even the Premier League, the suitors lined up for KDB. But in the end, the Belgian made his decision and chose to head to Italy, signing with Napoli.

The Partenopei, fresh off winning Serie A and qualified for the next Champions League, offered him a two-year deal, with an option for a third, and a salary that makes him one of the club’s top earners. It’s a serious move: Kevin De Bruyne will be the team’s flag bearer in Europe.

A message straight to City

And while he was close to accepting offers from clubs like Chicago Fire, Galatasaray, or Inter Miami, those close to him revealed — according to The Athletic — that one of the main reasons De Bruyne chose to stay in Europe, and specifically in Italy, was to prove to Manchester City that they made a mistake letting him go.

Now Kevin is ready to show he’s still got gas in the tank and magic in his boots. And if fate allows, he’ll get the chance to face the team that turned its back on the player who gave them absolutely everything… this time on the grand stage of the Champions League.