As one of the first-pot teams in the Champions League league phase, Napoli were ultimately drawn into the same group as Manchester City, which also means De Bruyne will once again face former teammates with whom he once played side by side.

De Bruyne previously made his feelings about the Champions League league-phase draw clear in an interview with Corriere dello Sport: “No, I don’t like playing against Manchester City. They will always be my club, which is only natural because I spent ten years there. That experience, that journey, and all the trophies we won will not change because of this. Returning there as an opponent is not something I enjoy.”

However, fate ultimately arranged this reunion after all.

For this Belgian midfielder, the match also carries special significance — he will return to the Etihad Stadium. Over the past decade, this ground has witnessed his transformation from a top star into a Manchester City legend, and has also recorded the glorious years in which he helped the team win multiple honors, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Now, De Bruyne will return to his former home ground wearing a Napoli shirt and face his old club in the Champions League. However, UEFA has yet to announce the specific match date, with the official schedule set to be formally released to clubs before Saturday, August 29 local time.