Kevin De Bruyne has signed with Napoli following his emotional departure from Manchester City.
The 33-year-old Belgian midfielder, who spent a decade at the Etihad, now begins a new chapter in Italy.
After weeks of speculation, the Kevin De Bruyne Napoli transfer was confirmed on Thursday afternoon.
The club made the announcement with a viral AI-generated image showing the midfielder seated on a throne.
The creative reveal sent social media into a frenzy and marked the official start of De Bruyne’s time in Serie A.
The former City star received a warm welcome upon arriving in Italy.
Fans crowded the airport, eager to catch a glimpse of their new hero.
Meanwhile, De Bruyne completed his medical in Rome and posed with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and head coach Antonio Conte.
“It’s been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I had with everything that happened here,” De Bruyne said of his exit from Manchester City.
“It’s been an unbelievable ride and an absolute pleasure.”
De Bruyne’s journey at City saw him lift the Champions League, six Premier League titles, and several domestic cups.
However, the club chose not to renew his contract, making him a free agent this summer.
Despite missing a close-range chance in his final home game at the Etihad, De Bruyne remained composed after the final whistle.
He waved goodbye to fans with his wife Michele Lacroix and their children Mason, Rome, and Suri by his side.
“Manchester has been my home and my family’s home for these past 10 years,” he added.
“It was a joy working really hard to try and help create something that brought the club the success we enjoyed. I’m super proud to have played a part in that.”
De Bruyne has reportedly signed a two-year contract with Napoli, with the option of a third.
He will be playing under former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte.
Napoli’s midfield now boasts a strong lineup that includes Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay.
However, De Bruyne chose to stay in Europe, seeking more high-level competition.
His presence could pit him against his former club in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Meanwhile, Manchester City is moving on quickly.
The club has already added nearly £114 million worth of talent in the summer window.
Their signings include Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves for £33.7 million, Rayan Cherki from Lyon, Tijani Reijnders from AC Milan, and Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea.
Next season is gonna be interesting 😁