End of an Era as KDB Confirms Napoli Switch

It's finally over. Kevin De Bruyne has officially joined Serie A side Napoli on a free transfer following the expiration of his Manchester City contract, bringing an end to his decade-long association with the club.

The Belgian midfielder's departure was confirmed by City in April after the club opted against offering the 33-year-old a contract extension. De Bruyne described the decision as purely "business-related" following what proved to be his final season at the Etihad Stadium.

According to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport, De Bruyne has agreed terms on a two-year contract with Napoli, with the Serie A club holding an option to extend the arrangement by an additional 12 months. The former Wolfsburg player underwent his medical examination in Rome before meeting with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis to finalise the transfer.

De Bruyne's tenure at City yielded remarkable success, accumulating 19 major trophies since his £55 million arrival from Wolfsburg in 2015. His medal collection includes six Premier League titles, five League Cups, and two FA Cups, alongside the 2023 Champions League triumph that completed City's historic treble.

The Belgian international's final appearance at the Etihad came during May's fixture against Bournemouth, where he received an emotional send-off from supporters. He made a brief substitute appearance in City's season finale at Fulham before departing for his summer break.

Reflecting on his time in Manchester, De Bruyne expressed gratitude for the decade he spent at the club. "It's been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I had with everything that happened here," he stated. "It was a joy working really hard to try and help create something that brought the club the success we enjoyed."

The midfielder emphasised his connection to the city, noting that Manchester had become home for both himself and his family throughout his time at the club. His departure marks the end of one of the most successful periods in City's history, with De Bruyne playing a pivotal role in establishing the club as a dominant force both domestically and in Europe.

For Napoli, securing De Bruyne's signature represents a significant statement of intent as they look to challenge for domestic and European honours. The Belgian's experience and technical ability will prove invaluable as he begins this new chapter in Italian football, where his vision and passing range should flourish in Serie A's tactical environment. With his legacy at City firmly established, De Bruyne now faces the challenge of adapting his considerable talents to the unique demands of Italian football.