De Bruyne hopes for injury-free season at Napoli
Quick summary
Kevin De Bruyne expressed his desire to stay injury-free and enjoy football at Napoli ahead of the new season.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceKevin De Bruyne admits ‘last year was difficult’ for Napoli after surgery, but he the goal against Genoa can be a fresh start. ‘I hope to have an injury-free season and enjoy my football.’
The Belgium international arrived as a free agent last summer from Manchester City and promptly suffered a serious thigh tear that required an operation, then expressed frustration with Antonio Conte’s tactics.
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Johan Vasquez of Genoa is challenged by Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) Now he is working under Max Allegri, came off the bench and scored in the opening Serie A match of the season away to Genoa , also setting up Antonio Vergara for the second goal.
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Genoa 0-2 Napoli
De Bruyne hoping for full Napoli experience GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) “I’m happy, it was a difficult game, especially in the beginning,” De Bruyne told Sky Sport Italia.
“After 20-25 minutes the team started to control, and in the second half we were pushing good. Obviously, we scored the two goals in the end, nice to start with a victory and keep a clean sheet as well.”
It does feel as if Napoli fans only ever got brief glimpses of what the former Manchester City man is capable of, and it’s not clear when he’ll be back in the starting XI.
“Last year was difficult, to have surgery like this and be out for five months. I think I started well last year, but it’s really hard to return in March when everyone else is in top form.
“I’ve only been here two weeks because of the World Cup, I think I’m doing well, I’m trying to help the team and hope to have an injury-free season, and I hope that I can enjoy my football,” continued De Bruyne.
It was because of his injury record that Manchester City decided not to offer him a new contract, allowing the midfielder to leave for free in 2025.
“I’ve been playing 18 years, obviously the last three years have been difficult, I had two surgeries and a hernia. I try to work hard and help the team, and they will help me too.
“Last season we finished second, which wasn’t bad, but we hope to do better this time.”
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What happened
Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Napoli, shared his hopes for a healthy campaign after dealing with persistent injury problems in recent years. The Belgian playmaker emphasized his desire to enjoy football and contribute consistently to his new club. The comments come as Napoli prepare for the upcoming Serie A season, with De Bruyne expected to be a key creative force in their midfield.
Chance analysis
De Bruyne's arrival at Napoli marks one of the most high-profile moves of the transfer window, bringing world-class creativity to Serie A. His candid reflection on injuries highlights a well-known concern that has shadowed his recent seasons at Manchester City, where he struggled to maintain availability. For Napoli fans, the prospect of a fully fit De Bruyne orchestrating their attack is a tantalizing one — his ability to dictate tempo and deliver decisive passes could elevate the team's ambitions in both domestic and European competition.
A healthy De Bruyne would significantly boost Napoli's creative output and attacking threat, potentially elevating their title chances in Serie A.