Kevin De Bruyne says it is "an honour" that his new club Napoli allowed him to train in the No.10, which has been retired to honour Diego Maradona.
- De Bruyne wore shorts with iconic number
- Club arranged gesture as a special welcome
- 34-year-old will wear the No.11 next season
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WHAT HAPPENED?
De Bruyne was speaking at his media unveiling. He joined Napoli on a free transfer last month after spending the last decade with Manchester City. As a welcome gesture, the club arranged for De Bruyne to train in shorts emblazoned with Maradona's number. He admitted his surprise that the club allowed him to don the trademark of their favourite son, but he also described the move as "an honour".
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Belgian midfield maestro brushed off suggestions it added pressure, stressing that representing a top club like the reigning Italian champions was enough pressure in itself. He stressed that he was "grateful" and "proud", but that he was also his "own player".
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WHAT DE BRUYNE SAID
De Bruyne said: "I would say I was a bit surprised in the beginning.
“Because obviously I know that the number was retired. But in another way, it’s an honour. It’s an honour from the team and from the club to give me this responsibility. I don’t think it adds any more pressure. I think the pressure comes from itself — if you play for big teams like Napoli, the pressure will be there. There’s a team that wants to win, so you know what you have to do as a player, as a squad.
“But I don’t believe that a number or anything else will add the pressure. Maradona is one of the legends of the game, and is synonymous with Napoli. Anyway, we know that, but I’m grateful. I’m proud. But I’m my own player. I’m going to try and do the job the best I can do, and hopefully I can bring pleasure to the team and to the city and to the fans, and get some good performances in that.”
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DID YOU KNOW?
No player will ever eclipse Maradona's importance and influence to Napoli. The club retired the No.10 shirt in recognition of the legend's seven years at the club. Between 1984 and 1991, he led the Partenopei to their first two Serie A title and a UEFA Cup.
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