Napoli will face AC Milan on April 7 in a crucial Serie A clash, but ahead of the high-stakes encounter, Kevin De Bruyne grabbed attention for his candid admission about losing some of his passion for football.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Napoli midfielder reflected on his career, his current mindset, and his uncertain future. While the focus remains on helping Napoli finish strongly this season, De Bruyne acknowledged that his relationship with the game has changed.
The 34-year-old, who joined Napoli on a free transfer after a trophy-filled spell at Manchester City, admitted he now sees football more as a job than a passion.
“I don’t think I still love football as much as I did in the beginning,” De Bruyne said. “But I imagine it’s normal after 30 years. Sometimes it happens that you lose a bit of interest, like in any job.”
Despite that, retirement is not on his mind yet. When asked if Napoli could be his final club, De Bruyne remained non-committal.
“I don’t know that, I don’t think about it now,” he said. “I think I can still play for a few years, then when the body tells me to stop, I will do it. But for now, I feel good.”
De Bruyne’s first season in Italy has not been straightforward. A thigh injury kept him out for a large part of the campaign, and he only recently returned to the starting lineup, making his first Serie A start since October. His appearances for Belgium during the international break suggest he is regaining rhythm at an important stage of the season.
So far, he has contributed four goals and two assists in 14 appearances, offering experience and quality to a Napoli side still in the mix for a strong finish.
For De Bruyne, though, the bigger picture remains personal. While questions about his future continue, his immediate priority is clear.
“I wanted to continue playing at a high level, and at Napoli, there was the possibility of doing so,” he said. “After my career, I just want to enjoy time with my family, because they have made a lot of sacrifices.”
Napoli currently sit third in Serie A, just one point behind AC Milan, making Tuesday’’s clash significant in the race for Champions League spots. Both sides, however, remain outsiders in the title race, with Inter Milan holding a six-point lead at the top and widely expected to go all the way.
Historically, this fixture has been closely contested. Over the last five Serie A seasons, both teams have won four matches each, with one draw, underlining how evenly matched they have become.
As Napoli prepare for a defining clash, De Bruyne’s honesty offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a player who has achieved almost everything in the game, yet is still searching for balance beyond it.