Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne endured a disappointing start on his first return to the Etihad since moving to Serie A this summer.
The Belgian, who joined Antonio Conte’s Napoli after Pep Guardiola opted not to offer him a new contract, was making a much-anticipated return to Manchester.
He started alongside Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund and former Red Devil Scott McTominay, and was welcomed back warmly by the City faithful, who sang his name before kick-off.
There were also banners reading ‘King Kev’ and ‘Once a blue, always a blue’ displayed around the ground in tribute to the midfielder who helped the club to 16 trophies during his decade-long spell, including six Premier League titles and one Champions League.
There are even plans to immortalise him, with the club having commissioned a statue to celebrate his decorated career.
But the 34-year-old’s homecoming, less than four months after his departure, lasted only 26 minutes.
There were banners reading ‘King Kev’ and ‘Once a blue, always a blue’ on show at the Etihad
De Bruyne was joined by former Man United rival Scott McTominay in Napoli’s starting XI
This followed an incident five minutes earlier, when Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was sent off for a foul on Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian striker was through on goal when Di Lorenzo brought him down outside the box.
After consulting VAR, referee Felix Zwayer showed the experienced right-back a straight red card. Simeone then turned to his bench and signalled for De Bruyne to be replaced by defender Mathias Olivera.
The Belgian looked visibly disappointed when his number appeared on the board as he made his way to the bench.
Many fans took to social media to express their frustration, with one user writing, ‘Napoli are a man down against Manchester City and took off two men, Kevin De Bruyne.’
Another wrote, ‘Di Lorenzo you ruined his return FFS.’
The Belgian legend look visibly disappointed when Conte took him off after 26 minutes
The Serie A champions have enjoyed a strong start to their season, and they currently sit top of the table after three games.
And De Bruyne has appeared in all three games recording two goals in that time, including on his debut at Sassuolo.
