Kevin De Bruyne has revealed that conversations with his long-time international teammate Romelu Lukaku played a significant role in his decision to join Serie A champions Napoli following his departure from Manchester City.
The 34-year-old Belgian midfielder, who joined the Italian club on a free transfer last month after his contract at City was not renewed, is preparing for a new chapter in his illustrious career under coach Antonio Conte. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, De Bruyne said the prospect of linking up with Lukaku was a key part of the appeal.
“Romelu was happy [about the move], I spoke with him in the national team [camp], he wanted me to join,” De Bruyne explained. “I know Romelu since we were 13-years-old, so we are really tight together.”
He added that having a close friend in the squad will ease his transition into a new league and culture. “It makes it a little bit easier that I know him because he is somebody who can translate for me and it helps because he knows the coach, he knows the team.”
The move marks the end of a glittering decade-long spell at Manchester City, where De Bruyne established himself as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.
“I have been in the Premier League for so long and in the end I made the decision to go out of England,” he said. “I have done what I have done and in the end I am a Man City player for life. I thought, it is time to find a new challenge. When I had the whole project in front of me and then the fact that I could play in Italy and still play at a high level was exciting for me.”
De Bruyne is eager to contribute to the Italian champions’ continued success. “Napoli already are champions but they are still improving their squad… I am hoping that I can help the team grow and I will also learn from them, a new way of playing, a new competition,” he added.
Napoli is set to begin the defence of its Serie A title with an away match against Sassuolo on August 13.
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