Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has joined Serie A champions Napoli as a free agent on Thursday, following the end of his glittering 10-year spell at Manchester City.
De Bruyne lifted 19 trophies at City since his 2015 move from German side VfL Wolfsburg — a haul that includes six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. He has also been named the Premier League Player of the Season twice.
De Bruyne will link up with Belgium international Romelu Lukaku and former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, who is head coach of Napoli.
Regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, the 33-year-old’s contract at City expired at the end of the recently-concluded season.
“King Kev is here!,” Napoli posted on social media platform Facebook.
In a video posted on Napoli’s Facebook page, De Bruyne wore Napoli’s training shirt. “Hi, Napoli fans, Kevin here, just wanted to say something to you. I’m looking forward to joining the team. I know you are behind the team anyway, so I’ll see you soon. Forza Napoli!”
The Belgium captain featured in 40 matches in all competitions for City last campaign, scoring six goals and providing eight assists and helping them qualify for next season’s Champions League, after being sidelined by a thigh injury in September.
Injuries had limited his appearances in the last two seasons.
De Bruyne made 422 appearances in all competitions for City, netting 108 times and registering 177 assists. He has the second-most assists in Premier League history with 119, behind Ryan Giggs (162).
Napoli won their second Serie A title in three years after a tight race with Inter Milan.
