Kevin De Bruyne has decided on his next move as he brings the curtain down on a 10-year Manchester City spell and the playmaker’s new deal is close to being completed
Napoli fans have made their feelings clear as Kevin De Bruyne jets in ahead of his summer transfer. The Belgian international flew into Rome airport on Thursday ahead of a medical with his new club, and was greeted by fans chanting his name.
De Bruyne’s decade-long spell at Manchester City will end on June 30 when his contract expires. Clubs in Europe and further afield showed interest in the playmaker, but Serie A champions Napoli look to have won the race.
The official social media account of Rome’s Fiumicino Airport showed De Bruyne arriving in Italy. Reports on the continent suggest he’s set for a medical ahead of joining Napoli, who play around 150 miles away.
The veteran, who turns 34 before the end of the month, arrives after playing two World Cup qualifiers for Belgium. The second of those, at home to Wales, saw him score a late winner after the visitors had come back from 3-0 down to level the scores.
Napoli are ready for a busy summer as they prepare for a return to the Champions League. Antonio Conte’s team benefited from a quieter schedule without European football this term, pipping Inter to the Serie A title by a single point.
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According to Sky Sport Italy, De Bruyne will sign a two-year deal with Napoli. His medical is due to take place on Thursday, but other elements of the move appear to have already been ironed out.
“I believe he has already bought a beautiful villa,” club president Aurelio De Laurentiis told Rai in May. “This morning I had a video chat with him, his wife and their 9-year-old boy and it was a lovely picture.”
De Bruyne confirmed his Manchester City exit in April, but continued contributing in the final weeks of the season as Pep Guardiola’s side secured Champions League qualification and reached the FA Cup final. “Football led me to all of you-and to this city. Chasing my dream, not knowing this period would change my life,” he said.
“This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING. I had no choice but to give EVERYTHING back! And guess what we won EVERYTHING.
“Whether we like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye. Suri, Rome, Mason, Michèle, and I are beyond grateful for what this place has meant to our family. ‘Manchester’ will forever be on our kids’ passports- and more importantly, in each of our hearts.This will always be our HOME.
“We cannot thank the city, club, staff, teammates, friends, and family enough for this 10-year ride. Every story comes to an end, but this has definitely been the best chapter. Let’s enjoy these last moments together! Much love, KDB.”
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