Hailed like Diego Maradona – could Kevin De Bruyne make a comeback to haunt Man City?

Manchester City welcome back a well-known figure who might reappear to challenge them as they kick off their UCL campaign in midweek.

The Belgian playmaker claimed sixteen titles in a decade at City; there are plans to immortalise him with a sculpture outside the City ground.

The midfield maestro departed the club when his contract expired in June and, having made it clear it was not his choice to leave, is now planning their undoing with Napoli.

De Bruyne’s switch to Serie A has been praised and likened to that of Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who is still idolized by the Italian side's supporters.

"Since Maradona, Napoli did not acquire a player as well known as De Bruyne," commented a Italian journalist. "Maradona came at the prime of his career, but signs at 34."

"Obviously what Maradona meant to the club in the 1980s, De Bruyne is the version this year for the current owner," he continued.

"One can suppose after all those beautiful years in Manchester, he aims to give a great impression and be a achievement. He has publicly stated he aims to claim Serie A and intends to demonstrate quality in the European competition too."

The skipper Giovanni di Lorenzo noted De Bruyne arrived at the club with "modesty" and referred to him as a "top player".

Di Lorenzo stated: "He seldom mentioned his ex-team-mates, but I am certain he will be pleased to revisit in this stadium where he enjoyed many good matches."

"He is going to be welcomed warmly. Fans will be happy to greet him and he deserves it."

A key element of Conte's 2.0 project

Previous Blues and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte led Napoli's Scudetto success last season and they have commenced the current term in notable fashion, sitting top of the table anew with a 100% record after several fixtures.

The departed Maradona spearheaded their league successes in 1987 and 1990 – they concluded a long drought without a league trophy again in 2023, but lost their way the following year by finishing in 10th place.

Conte took over and utilized a system he was well-versed in – a solid base with a defensive trio, and a team that was physically imposing with Lukaku up front.

Napoli edged the title recently ahead of Inter Milan by a solitary point, letting in only twenty-seven strikes from their 38 games and with Lukaku topping the club's goal tally with a respectable haul.

After taking the team to a intensive pre-season retreat in the mountains, Conte is now seeking to develop into a more control-oriented system and the striker’s setback has sped up the process with the signing of Rasmus Hojlund from United on a temporary deal with an obligation to buy permanently down the line.

"He represents the fundamental point of Conte's new vision," added the journalist. "Conte has a player that is in the paradise of football players."

"Over recent seasons, Napoli did not possess a player of the quality of De Bruyne. They have had emerging stars who were aiming for the highest level of football including Victor Osimhen, Edinson Cavani and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia."

"The Belgian is the one that is highly regarded when arriving in Naples and is technically on another level in contrast with the other players. He is the unique talent capable of playing the ball 60 metres with accuracy. He is an valuable asset of Conte because he adds something different."

Sources indicated disappointment from De Bruyne that City had not offered him a renewal earlier.

After an emotional send-off from the club which brought boss Pep Guardiola to become emotional, the midfielder will be given a hero's welcome this week as he comes back to a place he calls "where he belongs".

De Bruyne appears to have fitted in effortlessly at his new residence, netting two goals in his first few appearances, and the City defenders will know from experience the quality he brings.

Pep stated it will be "pleasant to welcome him" and players at De Bruyne's level "don't need adjustment period to adapt".

"I communicated to Kevin and have questioned him a couple of points," said Conte. "He was part of this club for 10 years and has had a top manager like Pep Guardiola."

"He will be thrilled to be competing but I am trusting when play starts he will remember his role and remember that he is playing for Napoli and contribute like he has demonstrated."

Ex-United men to take revenge?

Forward from Denmark Hojlund was suddenly shown the door by Manchester United and each player and Scott McTominay may well have been relieved they left after witnessing their ex-side defeated soundly by City in Sunday's comprehensive Premier League win.

The Dane, young, is looking to put his challenging period at United in the past and started his Napoli spell in perfect style, scoring on his bow in a victorious win at their rivals last Saturday.

Central player McTominay trod the same path last summer by leaving the instability of United in switching to Naples and the the Scot instantly became a fan favorite, registering multiple goals to motivate their league triumph.

So significant was his contribution, the Scottish star has a public artwork reminiscent of Maradona in the city and has been considered to win the highly regarded Ballon d'Or award for the best player in the world – something which would have been unlikely while at United.

He stated he recognized "great potential" in McTominay and {could