Kevin De Bruyne says he was “surprised but honoured” after Napoli handed him Diego Maradona’s legendary No. 10 shirt upon his arrival in Italy.
Softfootball reported that the Belgian midfielder joined the Serie A giants on a free transfer last month following a glittering decade with Manchester City. As part of his official welcome, the club had De Bruyne train in shorts emblazoned with the iconic number famously worn by Maradona during his unforgettable spell in Naples.
Speaking to reporters as the club’s official accounts revealed, De Bruyne admitted he didn’t expect to receive such a symbolic number.
“I would say I was a bit surprised in the beginning because obviously I know that the number was retired. But in another way, it’s an honour.
“It’s an honour from the team and from the club to give me this responsibility. I don’t think it adds any more pressure. I think the pressure comes from itself if you play for big teams like Napoli, the pressure will be there. There’s a team that wants to win, so you know what you have to do as a player, as a squad.
“But I don’t believe that a number or anything else will add the pressure. Maradona is one of the legends of the game, and is synonymous with Napoli. Anyway, we know that, but I’m grateful. I’m proud. But I’m my own player.
“I’m going to try and do the job the best I can do, and hopefully I can bring pleasure to the team and to the city and to the fans, and get some good performances in that.”
Maradona’s legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of Napoli, and while comparisons are inevitable, De Bruyne is not attempting to fill the Argentine legend’s shoes.
“Maradona is one of the game’s legends. He is part of Napoli’s soul. But I’m my own player. I’ll bring my best qualities and hopefully give the fans something to cheer about.”
The 33-year-old added that he’s fully committed to writing his own chapter in Naples.
“I’m grateful, I’m proud. I just want to play my game, contribute to the team, and bring joy to the city. That’s what matters most.”
As De Bruyne begins this new chapter in his career, all eyes will be on how the playmaker carries the weight of history on his back while forging his own legacy.
