Romelu Lukaku, John Terry respond to De Bruyne’s ‘first day’ after Man City exit
Kevin De Bruyne has caught the attention of several huge football names on social media following his move from Man City to Napoli.
The Citizens were distraught to see the 34-year-old’s decade-long stay at the Etihad Stadium come to an emotional end, having made 422 appearances during his time with Pep Guardiola‘s side.
With 108 goals and 177 assists, he leaves the Premier League as one of the competition’s greatest-ever players, and City have attempted to replace him with Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders.
Football Insider understands that Guardiola is set to reduce the Man City squad by another three fringe players, following De Bruyne out of the exit doors after the Belgian’s contract ran out.
He has now joined the reigning Serie A champions with the likes of Scott McTominay, Victor Osimhen, and manager Antonio Conte, taking to social media to welcome himself to the club.
Man City legend arrives at Napoli
Taking to Instagram (15 July), De Bruyne wrote: “First day of school!” as the Belgian arrived at Napoli for the Serie A giants’ pre-season preparations, and his post gained plenty of attention.
Former teammates Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji both liked the midfielder’s message, joined by Chelsea legend John Terry, broadcast personality Micah Richards, and new teammate Romelu Lukaku.
Pep Guardiola to continue emotional rebuild
Football Insider verdict
Kyle Walker has also found a new home at Burnley, bringing an end to an incredible era at the Etihad Stadium, with the squad now in desperate need of repair.
Despite a number of exciting signings, the Citizens still struggled for form at the Club World Cup this summer, being knocked out by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the round of 16.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City plan to accept an offer for John Stones, with leaking goals becoming too much of a problem across all competitions last season.
Of course, with so much change going on, it is important to keep a few experienced heads in the dressing room, such as Bernardo Silva, Ederson, and Ruben Dias, but improvements need to be made.
Guardiola was under huge pressure from Man City fans for much of last season, having fallen out of the Premier League title race, failing to impress in the Champions League, and losing the FA Cup final.
There is still plenty of time remaining for the squad to gel together ahead of next season, but supporters will be expecting huge improvements from the performances last term.