Manchester City legend, Kevin De Bruyne, has officially signed with Serie A champions Napoli as a free agent, the Italian club confirmed on Thursday.
According to ESPN sources, the Belgian playmaker attracted interest from various clubs across the Premier League, Germany, and Major League Soccer, with Chicago Fire among the most keen, but ultimately chose to continue his career in Italy with Napoli.
The 33-year-old played his final game for Manchester City against Fulham at Craven Cottage on the last day of the Premier League season, after the club decided not to offer him a contract extension.
Napoli unveiled their high-profile signing with a striking image of De Bruyne seated on a throne and wearing a crown, alongside the message, “King Kev is here.” Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis also expressed his delight at securing the midfielder.
During his decade-long spell at Manchester City, De Bruyne played a central role in their dominance, winning six Premier League titles and lifting the UEFA Champions League once.
At Napoli, he will reunite with international teammate Romelu Lukaku at the Diego Maradona Stadium.
The club sealed last season’s Serie A crown with a 2-0 home victory over Cagliari on May 23.
As a tribute to his immense contribution, Manchester City has announced plans to erect a statue of De Bruyne outside the Etihad Stadium.
His final home appearance saw him honored by a post-match guard of honour from teammates and staff, as he was joined on the pitch by his family.
Napoli’s title win came despite the mid-season departure of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain.
De Bruyne will now add his experience to a midfield that also includes ex-Premier League players Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour.