De Bruyne debuts in the Napoli - Arezzo friendly match on 22/7.

When Kevin talks about KDB, time seems to stand still: no rush, no pretense, just pure sincerity. Even with Scott McTominay's unexpected interruption, Billy Gilmour's quiet observation, and Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli's presence, the Belgian midfielder remained unfazed. He was calm, as if he never lost possession of the ball.

-"Are you aware that Napoli fans are still in disbelief?",

-"In disbelief about what?",

-"About seeing you in Italy. Wearing the Napoli jersey.",

-"It's great to hear that, but I'm just a player like my teammates. It's true I've played many matches and I'm one of the oldest in the squad, along with Di Lorenzo, Politano, Spinazzola, and Lukaku, but ultimately I'm like everyone else. I do my job and try my best. That's it.",

-"Is Napoli a challenge, a lifestyle choice, or a path to continue winning?",

-"All three. Honestly, I had other options, but after discussing it with my wife and children, I told myself this was the best decision. I considered everything: work, life, career, and future. Moreover, Napoli is the reigning Italian champion, a great club. I've played against Napoli in the Champions League, so I understand the feeling: I know the fans, their passion, and their support. Napoli gives me the best feeling.",

-"Serie A welcomed you with the phrase: 'The king has arrived'.",

-"I'm not a king, I'm just a player. I don't pay much attention to such words. I just try to do my job well, but of course, it's nice to be appreciated. I hope to continue having a successful career.",

-"Which muscles hurt the most after 20 days of training with Conte?",

-"Oh my god! All of them! (laughs loudly, waving both hands) The past 20 days haven't been easy and it's very different from what I'm used to in England, but I feel good. I'm adapting to the training sessions and very happy with what we're doing. This type of training is actually good for me.",

-"An unavoidable question: What's the primary difference you've noticed between Conte's and Guardiola's methods?",

-"I think they are two different styles of football. Perhaps Pep focuses more on ball possession and control, while Conte emphasizes organization and the psychological aspect. Pep also focuses more on zones on the pitch. There are some differences between them, but each coach has their own principles and characteristics.",

-"What has Conte asked of you in this initial phase?",

-"We haven't focused much on individual aspects yet. We're still working on the collective game, he gives general instructions about everyone's position. Perhaps later we'll talk about more specific details.",

-"You've won 24 titles in your career. If you could choose your 25th, what would it be?",

-"Let's say the Scudetto, but I never ask myself what to choose. I'll take anything I can win. I've never played in Italy, so winning Serie A would be an attractive goal. Winning Serie A would be very cool! But the season hasn't started yet, so... we'll see.",

-"Be more specific: Scudetto, Champions League, or World Cup?",

-"All three, just like that, no need to choose.",

-"Seriously. Serie A, Champions League, Italian Super Cup, Coppa Italia: What are De Bruyne and Napoli's objectives?",

-"With so many competitions, it's obviously difficult to say we'll win them all. I can't even say that. You have to start playing, win each match, and keep moving forward. We hope to go as far as possible in every competition, but that depends on many factors: opponents, injuries, and many other things. The final result will depend on what happens throughout the journey.",

-"Which teams will compete for the Scudetto with Napoli?",

-"Well, there will always be Inter and Milan. Juventus too. Atalanta is doing well, and both Roma and Lazio have strong squads. There are many really, really strong teams.",

-"Napoli - Milan, De Bruyne - Modric: The spotlight on the Maradona and San Siro stadiums. What will this matchup be like?",

-"I know Luka quite well because he's close friends with Mateo Kovacic (former teammate at Manchester City). We've spoken a few times, he's a very kind person. I have a lot of respect for Luka. I'm happy to meet and play against Luka, a player with an illustrious career. Hopefully, when we face each other, they will be exciting matches.",

De Bruyne receives instructions from coach Pep Guardiola as he enters the field in the Manchester City vs. Newcastle match in round 21 of the Premier League at St James' Park on 13/1/2024. *Photo: Reuters*

-"Can a player who has won everything still dream?",

-"I'm not a dreamer, and this isn't a dream: I'm a player, and this is reality. There are 11 months ahead, no need to dream about what might happen. You can only win if you work hard. Of course, I want to win everything, but I know it's very difficult. I know that as long as each individual and the whole team keep working, keep giving their best, then eventually we'll see the results.",

-"De Bruyne, Lukaku, McTominay, Gilmour, and Conte: A Napoli with a strong Premier League flavor.",

-"Perhaps Serie A used to have more Italian players, but now the leagues are increasingly open. There are players from many different countries and leagues. That's a good thing, as it creates a positive influence. For me, it's great to have many English speakers here, making it easier for me to integrate and understand everything.",

-"Has Jack Grealish asked you about Napoli yet?",

-"(smiles) Maybe, maybe... (And laughs again)",

-"How many languages do you speak?",

-"Four.",

-"Has teammate Pasquale Mazzocchi started teaching you Neapolitan?",

-"Forget it, it's too difficult. I have to learn Italian first, I still understand very little.",

-"After 10 years at Manchester City, how is the new environment at Napoli?",

-"Really great! I really like my new teammates here, they are very kind and welcoming. The level of play here is also very high.",

-"They say you had to perform something at Conte's birthday party...",

-"Yes, I sang in English. A Robbie Williams song. I can't sing in Italian yet.",

-"What kind of team is Napoli at the moment?",

-"A very strong and quality team. Last season, the team won Serie A, but obviously, this season will be a new challenge and winning it again will be very difficult. However, I believe we can continue to achieve success. I came here for that reason, because I believe in this team. Napoli is well-organized and has a good coach. That's a solid foundation.",

-"Are you worried about the results of the friendly matches: losing 0-2 to Arezzo, winning 2-1 against Catanzaro, losing 1-2 to Brest, and drawing 1-1 with Casertana?",

-"No, not at all. Of course, everyone wants to win, even in friendly matches, but you have to understand that we're in the preparation phase. We're only halfway through the pre-season. Anyway, I thought we played well in the second half against Brest. I repeat, I'm not worried: everything will be fine.",

-"How many times did Sporting Director Giuntoli call to convince you to join Napoli?",

-"Not many personal calls. I met him a few times in Manchester, he came to my house, and the rest he worked with my lawyers. Then, my wife came to Naples to explore. It was all a normal process.",

-"Have you found a house you like yet?",

-"We're still looking.",

-"Juventus also contacted you, right?",

-"I had many conversations with many clubs through my team. But that's normal when you're a free agent.",

-"Who is the best player in Serie A right now?",

-"Due to the match schedule, I haven't followed Serie A much. I only watched Napoli win the title and a few matches at the end of the season. I also know Inter has a strong squad.",

-"In your opinion, who is the best player in the world right now?",

-"It's hard to say, because there are many names that go up and down. There are many good players right now.",

-"What does the name Maradona mean to you?",

-"(startled) Legend! A football legend! Because he played before my time, I could only watch videos. Maradona is very important in football history and for what he did for this sport. And especially, he means a great deal to Napoli.",

-"Have you visited the Maradona mural in Quartieri Spagnoli?",

-"Not yet, but I will. I've only been in the city for two days, haven't had much time. But I went to Capri – south of the Bay of Naples, it's beautiful!",

-"Did you come to Naples with Mertens before?",

-"Yes, 9 years ago. I walked around a bit with Dries, but haven't yet with Romelu. I want to explore more to better understand the city. Both are my friends, I've known Lukaku since we were 13.",

-"Why did you have your wedding in Sant’Agnello – south of Naples?",

-"We wanted more than one wedding. According to Belgian tradition, you can choose three countries to have three parties, and Italy is truly a beautiful place. So, we searched and went to the place where Dries was. Believe me, it's just a coincidence that it's near where we're living now.",

-"It's destiny! By the way, has your family moved to Naples yet?",

-"They are still in England at the moment, we're arranging the move. We still need to find a house, move our belongings, prepare for three children, and find a school for them in September. There's a lot to do, and I'm often away. My wife, Michele, will probably arrive at the end of August with the children. After 10 years in England, we'll have to get used to a new lifestyle, but I believe everything will be fine.",

De Bruyne and his wife also celebrated when Manchester City won the Champions League in the 2022-2023 season.

-"If you didn't play football, what profession would you choose?",

-"Only football. No other profession, and it couldn't be any different.",

-"Who is your favorite singer?",

-"I like many different genres: oldies, 90s music, hip hop, classical. There isn't one favorite singer.",

-"Do you listen to the music of Noa Lang – Napoli's new signing from PSV who is also a music artist under the name Noano?",

-"A little, but I don't really trust his music (laughs loudly).",

-"Who is De Bruyne's 'successor' now?",

-"I don't know. And I don't want anyone to be like me. You have to be yourself, I don't want to be anyone else. Each person has their own qualities and characteristics. When I talk to young players, I always tell them: be yourself, express yourself. Nowadays, there are many ways to learn, develop, and improve the quality of your game.",

-"Why did you choose the number 11 jersey after wearing number 17 and 7 for so long?",

-"Because it was available! That's all (bursts out laughing).",

-"What do you usually do in your free time?",

-"I enjoy playing golf and padel. But my main hobby is taking my children to play football. I like watching them play, enjoying life with my children. Teaching and watching them grow up is very important to me. Doing simple things in life makes me happy and feel at peace. Because this life is crazy.",

-"A concept reminiscent of Pino Daniele, a legend, an idol of Naples. Have you listened to his music yet?",

-"Not yet, but I will.",

-"Among his famous songs are 'Je so' pazzo' and 'Yes I Know My Way'. Which one do you choose?",

-"I'll choose 'Yes I Know My Way'.",

-"To win with Napoli, right?",

-"I hope so. Everyone has their own path. I live my way, trying to be happy and go as far as possible. And enjoy my life.",

Hoang Thong (*Corriere dello Sport*)