Celebrated in the manner of the legendary Maradona – might Kevin De Bruyne make a comeback to torment Man City?

Manchester City greet the return of a familiar face who could come back to trouble them as they start their Champions League campaign on Thursday.

Kevin de Bruyne claimed multiple honors in a lengthy stay at City; arrangements exist to immortalise him with a statue outside their home venue.

De Bruyne departed the club when his agreement concluded in June and, after stating it was not his choice to leave, is now devising their downfall with Napoli.

De Bruyne’s arrival in Naples has been lauded and equated with that of Argentina legend Diego Maradona, who is still revered by the club’s supporters.

"Following the era of Maradona, Napoli have not signed a player as well known as De Bruyne," noted a local journalist. "Maradona came at the peak of his career, but signs at 34."

"Obviously what Maradona was for the club decades ago, De Bruyne is the equivalent today for the leadership," he continued.

"One can suppose after all those glorious years in Manchester, he wishes to leave his mark and be a achievement. He has already said he targets Serie A and intends to display strong performances in the Champions League as well."

Team leader Giovanni di Lorenzo noted De Bruyne arrived at the club with "great humility" and described him as a "great champion".

The defender added: "He seldom mentioned former colleagues, but I am certain he must be happy to revisit in this stadium where he enjoyed many memorable performances."

"He is going to be received well. Fans will be happy to greet him and he is worthy of it."

A key element of Antonio Conte’s 2.0 project

Previous Blues and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte masterminded Napoli's championship success the previous campaign and they have begun this campaign in strong fashion, occupying first place of the table again with a perfect start after several fixtures.

The departed Maradona led their league successes in 1987 and 1990 – they ended a 33-year wait without a first division trophy again in 2023, but faltered the following year by finishing in mid-table.

The manager assumed control and worked with a formation he was well-versed in – a solid base with a defensive trio, and a team that was robust with Romelu Lukaku up front.

They narrowly claimed the title recently ahead of Inter Milan by a solitary point, allowing only 27 goals from their league matches and with Lukaku heading the club's scoring charts with a respectable haul.

Post the team to a tough fitness program at high altitude, Conte is now aiming to transition into a more possession-based system and his fitness issue has hastened the process with the signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United on a temporary deal with an agreement to make the move permanent down the line.

"The player is the fundamental point of Conte's new vision," commented the journalist. "The team has a player that is in the paradise of football players."

"In the last few years, Napoli have not had a player of the stature of De Bruyne. They have had good young players who were trying to reach the elite tier of football like Victor Osimhen, Edinson Cavani and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia."

"De Bruyne is the one that is already famous when coming to Naples and is skill-wise on a higher plane compared to the other players. He is the sole individual capable of playing the ball 60 metres with precision. He is an important resource of Conte because he brings something distinctive."

Sources indicated frustration from De Bruyne that City did not present him a renewal before his departure.

Following a heartfelt farewell from the club which brought boss Pep Guardiola to tears, the midfielder can expect a rapturous reception on Thursday as he revisits a place he refers to as "where he belongs".

The player looks to have adapted smoothly at his new residence, scoring a couple of strikes in his opening three games, and the City players will recognize first-hand the quality he brings.

The manager commented it will be "pleasant to see him again" and players at his caliber "don't need adjustment period to fit in".

"I have spoken to Kevin and have asked him a couple of points," added Conte. "He was part of Manchester City for 10 years and has had a world-class tactician like Pep Guardiola."

"He is likely to be eager to be competing but I am hoping after the first whistle he will focus and remember that he is representing Napoli and contribute like he has been doing."

Former Man Utd players to seek retribution?

Attacker Hojlund was suddenly moved on by the Old Trafford club and each player and Scott McTominay may well have been relieved they departed after seeing their ex-side defeated soundly by City in Sunday's three-nil Premier League win.

The attacker, young, is looking to put his challenging period at Old Trafford behind him and began his Napoli tenure in ideal circumstances, finding the back of the net on his bow in a three-one win at their rivals last Saturday.

Engine McTominay trod the same path the previous off-season by departing the chaos of United in moving to Naples and the 28-year-old instantly became a cult hero, scoring 12 goals to drive their title success.

So great is his impact, the national team player has a mural similar to Maradona in the city and has been shortlisted to win the highly regarded Ballon d'Or award for the top performer in the world – something which would have been unlikely while at United.

Conte said he recognized "great potential" in McTominay and {could