Champions League: De Bruyne returns to Etihad with Napoli
Manchester City welcome a familiar face back to the Etihad Stadium today as they kick off their Champions League campaign against Napoli and Kevin de Bruyne.
But while City boss Pep Guardiola shed tears when the Belgium midfielder made his final appearance for his team last season, the Spaniard said he will enjoy De Bruyne’s return today “after the game.”
De Bruyne, who won 19 trophies during his glittering 10-year spell at City and captained the side through some of its most dominant seasons, makes a swift return to Manchester following his summer move to Naples.
Though he now wears Napoli blue, “King Kev” remains a beloved figure at the Etihad.
Guardiola is not surprised how seamlessly De Bruyne has slotted into Antonio Conte’s Italian team, scoring two goals in three matches.
City were eliminated from last season’s Champions League by Real Madrid in the knockout phase playoffs.
Guardiola said that while the former European giants were not considered favourites this season, he was approaching the league phase with cautious optimism.
City can draw on the European experience of their new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was a key player in Paris St Germain’s Champions League triumph last season.
With De Bruyne’s return adding an emotional layer to the fixture and both teams eager to start strongly, Thursday’s clash promises to be a compelling encounter at the Etihad.- Reuters
