De Bruyne returns 'home' but will be 'plotting downfall'
- Published
Manchester City are set to welcome back a familiar face, who may return to haunt them, as they begin their Champions League campaign on Thursday.
Kevin de Bruyne won 16 trophies in a decade at City and there are plans to immortalise him with a statue outside Etihad Stadium.
Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte masterminded Napoli's Scudetto success last season and they have started this campaign in impressive fashion, sitting top of the table again with a 100% record after three games.
"De Bruyne is the fundamental point of Conte's 2.0 project," Naples-based journalist Vincenzo Credendino told BBC Sport. "He has a player that is in the paradise of football players.
"In the last few years, Napoli haven't had a player of De Bruyne's calibre. They have had good young players who were trying to reach the top of football like Victor Osimhen, Edinson Cavani and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
"De Bruyne is technically on another level compared to the other players. He is the only one capable of playing the ball 60 metres with precision. He is an important resource for Conte because he adds something different."
After an emotional send-off from Manchester City, which brought boss Pep Guardiola to tears, the midfielder will be given a hero's welcome on Thursday as he returns to a place he describes as "home".
De Bruyne appears to have fitted in seamlessly at his new residence, scoring two goals in his opening three games, and the City defenders will know first-hand the quality he possesses.
Guardiola said it will be "nice to have him back" and players at De Bruyne's level "don't need that much time to adapt".
"I have spoken to Kevin and have asked him a few things," added Conte. "He has been part of this club for 10 years and has had a great coach like Pep Guardiola.
"He will be excited to be playing but I am hoping after the first whistle he will find his feet and remember that he is playing for Napoli and contribute like he has been doing."