Manchester City welcome a familiar face back to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday as they kick off their Champions League campaign against Napoli and former club captain Kevin de Bruyne.
De Bruyne, who won 19 trophies during a glittering 10-year spell at City, made an emotional exit last season, leaving manager Pep Guardiola in tears. The Belgium midfielder returns to Manchester after his summer move to Naples, having quickly adapted to Antonio Conte’s side, scoring two goals in three Serie A matches.
“Of course it’s nice to have him back,” Guardiola said. “The players at that level adapt so quickly and they don’t need that much time to settle in. I will enjoy seeing him after the game.”
City, eliminated by Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League knockout phase, enter the group stage with cautious optimism. “Just enjoy the moment. We’re happy to be here after the path we have been on, so we’re focusing on tomorrow and starting well in this competition,” Guardiola said.
The team can also draw on the European experience of new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, a key figure in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph last season. “I would always say in the last decade we have had incredible goalkeepers,” Guardiola said. “But Gigi, at just 26, can play for us for many years and he is a top-class keeper.”
With De Bruyne’s return adding an emotional layer and both teams eager to make a strong start, Thursday’s clash promises to be a compelling encounter at the Etihad.
