'I and the whole City family care deeply for Kevin' - Guardiola reacts to De Bruyne's Napoli switch

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted it feels “strange” to see Kevin De Bruyne in Napoli colours, as the Belgian midfielder prepares for life under Antonio Conte in Serie A.

De Bruyne’s free transfer to Napoli earlier this summer sent shockwaves through the football world. Having joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015, he went on to become one of the most influential playmakers in Premier League history, winning multiple league titles and playing an important role in the club’s historic treble in 2023.

The legendary scored two goals and provided one assist in Napoli's recent friendly game.

Speaking to DAZN, via Corriere dello Sport, ahead of City’s pre-season friendly against Palermo, Guardiola acknowledged the emotional side of parting ways with one of his most trusted players over the past decade.

“It feels a little strange to see him training with Napoli. But I and the whole City family care deeply for Kevin. We are positive he will achieve great things in Italy and learn a lot from a top coach like Conte, who is one of the very best in football history. I hope he, his wife, and his family feel completely at home there,” Guardiola said.

He added, “A sly fox in the area, he could smell where the ball was going to end up. The great strikers sense where the ball will go before anyone else. If you arrive a second too late, it’s gone. Pippo had that gift, and as a coach, he is still young but already doing good things. I wish him all the best.”

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s City side continues their preparations for the new season, seeking to win the Premier League while chasing another deep run in the Champions League.