Kevin De Bruyne returned to Manchester City as a Napoli player in the Champions League on Thursday night, but the iconic midfielder’s return to the Etihad Stadium was short-lived.
Kevin De Bruyne’s return to Man City only lasted 27 minutes.(Image: 2025 James Gill – Danehouse)
Manchester City fans were left devastated after Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the club ended after only 27 minutes. The Belgian returned to the Etihad Stadium as a Napoli midfielder in the Champions League.
Much was said about the Belgian magician coming back to the club where he won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and five League Cups. Unfortunately for the ex-Chelsea midfielder, his return to the club did not even pass the half hour mark.
Antonio Conte was forced to haul De Bruyne off when Giovanni Di Lorenzo brought down Erling Haaland and was sent-off for preventing a goal-scoring opportunity. After being reduced to three defenders, Conte was then forced into taking off De Bruyne and bringing on Mathias Olivera.
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He looked devastated as he trudged off the field. Disappointed City supporters serenaded him off by singing his song; ‘Oh Kevin De Bruyne’ to the tune of Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. As he took his seat on Napoli’s bench, football fans in their numbers came out to offer their thoughts.
One City fan said: “When I think about it, taking De Bruyne off in the 27th minute. That’s absolutely ridiculous, you’ve got to be kidding me.”
Another added: “How can you take him off? Homecoming no more,” before one particularly disappointed supporter said: “This was really sad.”
However, some United fans chose to partake in a spot of Schadenfreude after De Bruyne left the field. Referencing former United players turned Napoli stars, Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, one fan tweeted: “Got sacrificed ahead of McTominay and Hojlund. This De Bruyne fall needs to be studied.”
De Bruyne did not hide his disappointment.(Image: 2025 Simon Stacpoole/Offside)
Another United fan wrote: “As Napoli manager, why would you sub Kevin De Bruyne, especially when Hojlund was an option?”
A second added: “The disrespect in taking De Bruyne off after a red card when you’ve still got Hojlund on the pitch.”
De Bruyne moved to Naples this summer when he was a free agent. The Belgian previously admitted he wanted to remain at City, but Guardiola’s side did not offer him a new contract.
United fans could not believe Conte chose to substitute De Bruyne and not Hojlund.
He is enjoying a strong start to life under Conte. He has already contributed two goals in his first three Serie A matches and would have had an eye on finding the net against his former team.
However, he will have to wait for his next Champions League outing, which will be against Sporting Lisbon on October 1.
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