Kevin De Bruyne has used Belgium duty to settle one question surrounding his first season at Napoli: he says an exit from the club was never part of his thinking. After an uneven opening to the campaign, the midfielder is preparing to resume responsibility with the Red Devils while remaining committed to Massimiliano Allegri’s Napoli.
De Bruyne closes the door on summer departure talk
Speaking from Belgium’s training camp, De Bruyne rejected suggestions that he had considered leaving Naples during the latest transfer window, only a year after arriving in Serie A.
- “I never considered leaving Napoli this summer,” De Bruyne said.
- He added that he had not discussed such a possibility with anyone.
- The Belgian said he feels well both mentally and physically.
- He remains in Belgium’s Nations League squad, with teammates having urged him to continue.
De Bruyne did not want to look too far ahead, but made clear that remaining available for his country had not created any difficulty for him. His words offer Napoli a measure of continuity after a start in which his own performances, like the team’s results, have had their fluctuations.
A new Belgium cycle begins in Rome
The international break begins a new chapter for Belgium under Dutch coach Mark van Bommel, following the end of Rudi Garcia’s spell after the 2026 World Cup. De Bruyne is expected to be central to the new manager’s plans.
Belgium open their Nations League programme against Roberto Mancini’s Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday 25 September, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45.
Nations League schedule ahead
The Rome fixture is the first major test of Van Bommel’s tenure, and the subsequent calendar gives Belgium little time to settle.
- Italy v Belgium — Friday 25 September, 20:45, Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
- A meeting with Zinedine Zidane’s new France side.
- A match against Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey.
- A second fixture against France.
For De Bruyne, the international matches arrive at a useful moment: a chance to reinforce his standing with Belgium, while his statement from camp underlines that Napoli remains his club focus when the championship resumes.
