Kevin De Bruyne assures that Napoli “are ambitious and want to win, so it was a really nice project to be part of” – and he has already realised that fans are “a bit crazy”.
The midfielder completed the transfer this week and was out of contract after his deal with Manchester City expired. Napoli have published his first interview since the transfer on their social media.
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“I’m a winner, I want to win games,” De Bruyne admits. “I’ve always been like that, I hate to lose.”
He had many options, including more lucrative offers from MLS and Saudi Arabia, but the combination of Serie A football and the lifestyle in Naples made the choice easy.
“The team won the Scudetto last year, so they play in the Champions League. I hope we can create something good together for the future. The team wants to win, they are ambitious, it looks like a very good team – so for me this was a very nice project to be part of, and I hope I can help the team achieve their goals.”
“The fans are a little crazy!”
The Napoli fans already made their presence felt when he arrived for a medical test, even though it was in Rome and not Naples.
“I remember it was very loud. The supporters were a bit crazy! But it’s good – I think I already understand a little bit how Napoli works, how the city is behind the team, and that’s also something I wanted to be a part of.”
“At first, I might need some getting used to, but when so many people support the team, it becomes a great atmosphere for us to perform in.”
Reuniting with Lukaku – and Mertens’ influence
De Bruyne is set to work with compatriot Romelu Lukaku, while ex-Napoli star Dries Mertens has admitted that he helped pave the way for the transfer.
“I’ve known Romelu since we were 13. He said a lot of good words about the team and the city, so I’m looking forward to doing something good together.”
“Romelu and Dries know the city well, they explained a little bit how everything works, how people are. I understand a little Italian, but of course I have to get used to it and learn more.”
“I’m excited – this is something completely new for me. I lived in England for 10 years, but I think this will be a nice experience for me and my family. I’m really looking forward to it.”
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