Unexpected Substitution
In an unexpected turn of events during his much-anticipated return to Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne found himself substituted early in the match against Napoli on Thursday. The midfielder had to leave the pitch just 26 minutes into the game after coach Antonio Conte decided to make changes following a red card issued to Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Di Lorenzo was sent off during the 21st minute after a VAR review determined he had fouled City’s standout striker, Erling Haaland, just outside the penalty area.
Match Highlights
The match, which ultimately ended with a 2-0 victory for Manchester City, saw Haaland make history by becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the UEFA Champions League. De Bruyne, who joined Napoli after his free agency from City at the end of the previous season, received a rousing welcome from the fans upon his return to the Etihad Stadium. His exit was met with applause, highlighting the lasting impression he has left on the club.
De Bruyne’s Legacy
During his decade-long tenure at Manchester City, De Bruyne was instrumental in securing 16 major titles, among them six Premier League championships and a coveted Champions League trophy. Earlier this year, the club announced plans to honor De Bruyne with a statue outside the stadium to celebrate his legacy, in addition to unveiling a mosaic of him at the academy and renaming a road on campus in his honor.
Post-Match Reunion
After the match concluded, De Bruyne took the opportunity to reconnect with former teammates by participating in a lap of honor, during which he was once again greeted with cheers from the enthusiastic crowd at the stadium.
